The Nigerian Senate has called on state governments to end peace agreements and negotiations with terrorists and armed bandits, warning that such arrangements have not delivered lasting security and may unintentionally empower criminal groups.
Lawmakers argued that repeated dialogue-based approaches have failed to stop attacks and could even provide resources that sustain criminal operations across affected regions.
The upper chamber also directed the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to intensify efforts to monitor and arrest armed bandits who openly use social media platforms such as TikTok to display large sums of money believed to be proceeds of crime.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who raised concerns over escalating insecurity in parts of Kogi State, particularly Kogi West Senatorial District.
He cited a recent attack in Iluke-Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where armed assailants reportedly stormed a secondary school during the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination period.
The senator said the attack led to the deaths of the school’s vice principal, a teacher, and another member of the community, while also highlighting another violent incident in Odo-Ere, Yagba West, which occurred days earlier.
In response, lawmakers expressed concern over the rising frequency of attacks on schools and rural communities, describing the situation as a growing national security threat.
The Senate also summoned the Commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to provide explanations on the rising proliferation of illegal arms and the challenges facing efforts to contain it.
Senators stressed the need for stronger coordination among security agencies and urged urgent action to curb the circulation of illicit weapons fueling violence across the country.
