The Senate has urged the Federal Government to accelerate the deployment of modern security technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, advanced communication systems and other force-multiplying technologies to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
The call formed part of the resolutions adopted following a motion on the urgent need to address the escalating attacks, abductions and killings of serving and retired military personnel, which lawmakers described as a growing threat to national security.
The sponsor of the motion, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army, said insecurity in Nigeria has assumed increasingly complex, persistent and alarming dimensions.
Senator Yar’Adua expressed concern that criminal and terrorist groups have become more audacious, sophisticated and emboldened in carrying out their operations, underscoring the need for stronger security measures and improved operational capacity.
“They have extended their activities beyond attacks on communities and public infrastructure to the targeted abduction, kidnapping and killing of serving and retired military personnel who dedicated their lives to the defence of the nation.”
He cited the recent abduction and subsequent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by terrorists in Katsina State.
He expressed concern over the growing pattern of abductions, killings and violent attacks against serving and retired military personnel across the country, describing it as a disturbing development that reflects both the worsening security situation and the increasing vulnerability of citizens, regardless of their status, profession or previous service to the nation.
Senator Yar’Adua further observed that these incidents have occurred across several states of the federation and have resulted in deaths, prolonged captivity, ransom payments, emotional trauma, economic hardship and psychological distress for the victims, their families and the nation at large.
The Senate therefore urged all security and intelligence agencies to significantly strengthen intelligence gathering, information sharing, surveillance operations, threat assessment mechanisms and early warning systems to prevent attacks and improve response effectiveness.
The Senate also encouraged security agencies to deepen collaboration with local communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen community-based intelligence and security partnerships.
Cov/Bashir M
