Abduction Crisis: Tinubu Declares Emergency as NASS Blocks Bandit Talks

President Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency Amid Escalating Violence

President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering the army, police, and intelligence services to immediately expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel. This move comes in response to the rising wave of kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the country.

The President also urged the National Assembly to initiate the process of legalizing state police to address the growing security crisis. However, this call for action has been met with criticism from several lawmakers who argue that negotiating with bandits is not the solution.

Lawmakers Criticize Federal Government’s Approach

Several Senators and House of Representatives members have criticized the Federal Government for negotiating with bandits for the release of hostages seized in Kwara and Kebbi States. They demand an end to these negotiations and punishment for officials who ordered the withdrawal of troops from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where 24 students were kidnapped on November 17.

The bandits also attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting over 300 pupils and 12 teachers. During the Kebbi attack, the vice principal, Hasan Makuku, was shot dead, while the principal was injured. About 50 girls later escaped, but the rest remain with their captors.

Another gang invaded a CAC church in Kwara State, killing at least two worshippers and abducting 38 people. The victims were released on Sunday, while the students were freed on Tuesday.

Impact on Schools and Communities

The abductions have led to the closure of scores of schools in Kebbi, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Niger, Katsina, and Kwara States. The Federal Government has also ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across the country.

The Presidency defended the negotiation approach, stating that it was done to ensure the safety of the victims. However, many lawmakers do not accept this reasoning, arguing that such actions may embolden criminals and worsen the security situation.

Senate Debates and Calls for Action

During a heated Senate plenary, lawmakers warned that the nation was “under attack” and on the brink of losing public confidence. A separate motion was adopted commending President Tinubu and the security agencies for the release of the abducted victims in Kwara and Niger States.

Senator Asiru Yisa (Kwara South) sponsored a motion demanding the immediate creation of a Joint Task Force for the Kwara–Kogi corridor, an area described as a major escape route for bandits. He expressed deep concern over the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, where gunmen killed two worshippers and kidnapped 38 others.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin called for international collaboration to stem the crisis, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the current wave of attacks as a defining moment for the nation.

Calls for Accountability and Reform

Lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of information on terrorists neutralized during operations and cautioned against attention-seeking behavior. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe pushed back against attempts to blame previous administrations, insisting that the current government must take responsibility for its failings.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern over intelligence failures and internal sabotage, citing reports that the location of a brigadier general killed in Borno was compromised. He warned against turning the crisis into a sectarian narrative.

Opposition and Coalition Responses

A coalition of lawmakers from the six geopolitical zones decried the rising insecurity and criticized Tinubu’s approach to security. In a statement titled “FG’s secret negotiations with bandits are a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” the group condemned the government’s negotiations with bandits and called for decisive action.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also cautioned President Tinubu against entering into secret deals with bandits, warning that such actions could worsen the country’s security crisis. The ADC urged the government to publish a clear security strategy and activate full National Assembly oversight.

Recruitment and Training Initiatives

In a statement signed on Wednesday, President Tinubu authorized the Nigeria Police Force to recruit 20,000 additional officers, bringing the ongoing recruitment drive to 50,000. He also directed the military to enlist more personnel for rapid deployment.

The President announced the temporary conversion of National Youth Service Corps camps into police training depots to fast-track the preparation of recruits. Police officers recently withdrawn from VIP escort duties are to undergo “crash training” and be redeployed to high-risk zones.

Security Measures and Public Appeal

Calling for nationwide vigilance, the President urged citizens to support security forces by reporting suspicious activity. He commended security agencies for the successful rescue of the 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 church worshippers in Kwara, while noting that efforts continue to locate the remaining missing students from the Catholic school in Niger State.

Tinubu also urged the National Assembly to commence legislative work on enabling states to establish their own police formations. The establishment of state police has stalled at the National Economic Council for months since Tinubu first proposed the idea.

Governor Abiodun’s Statement

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, emphasized that the establishment of state police is no longer negotiable. He stressed the need for governors to work together with traditional rulers to ensure that the security architecture remains impregnable to criminals.

New Recruitment Committee

In response to a presidential directive, the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force have inaugurated a joint ad-hoc committee to begin the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel. The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.).

FCT Launches School Intelligence Network

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, announced the launch of an aggressive intelligence-gathering network with schools across Abuja as part of the newly relaunched Operation Sweep. This initiative aims to keep kidnappers and other criminals away from the capital.

Tragic Losses

Two parents of some of the abducted children have reportedly died after the abduction of their wards. Anthony Musa suffered a heart attack, while another woman passed away from an undisclosed ailment. Their children were among the 315 pupils abducted by terrorists in St Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, confirmed the deaths on Wednesday through his media aide, Daniel Atori.