Insecurity : Senate Tasks Security Agencies, Traditional Institutions on Intelligence Gathering

The Senate has urged security agencies to collaborate with state governments, local communities and traditional leaders to gather intelligence to tackle insecurity across the country.

This is one of the prayers of a motion on “urgent need to review security approach in addressing banditry attacks in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi states at plenary on Thursday in Abuja sponsored by Senator Sani Zangon Daura (APC- Katsina ) and co-sponsored by 20 other senators.

Daura said Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi states have been plagued by escalating banditry attacks, resulting in loss of lives, kidnapping for ransom and displacement of communities.

He said the state governments have allocated significant funds to augment the operations of security-agencies in combating banditry and restoring peace in the region.

According to him, governors of the states in the north west region had affirmed their commitment to support an acceptable and workable initiative that promotes peace, security and development in the region.

Daura said the governors pledged to work towards fostering a safe and secure environment for their people.

He, however, expressed concern that the incessant banditry attacks on communities in the north west region would significantly impact food production and agricultural activities.

This, he noted jeopardizes food security and livelihood of the people in affected states of the region, especially in this wet season.

Contributing to the motion, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP- Benue )said right from the 8th and 9th Senate, the issue of insecurity had been on the front burner of national discuss.

Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC-Katsina) said the north west region was highly affected, adding that the economic situation was very unfortunate.

He said 50,000 farm lands can not be accessed by farmers because of banditry and other criminality.

“In my senatorial district last week, these bandits, criminals and terrorists killed 122 people in Faskari, Bakori, Malunfasi and Kankara Local Governments.

“Also one of the wards in Faskari Local Government Area has been taken over by the bandits who now perform the functions of security agencies, including escorts and they decide days people will be allowed to go out for legitimate duties.

“Unless we are honest, committed, and have political will to deal with these criminal elements, because they are not above the law, if there is coordinated efforts by the security agencies.

Following the contributions of lawmakers on the motion,
the Senate further urged President Bola Tinubu to direct a thorough review and evaluation of strategies employed by security agencies in the region.

It called for the deployment of additional security personnel and a special task force to the identified hotspots to ensure the protection of lives and property.

James Itodo, Edited By Grace Namiji