Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua
The Northern Senators Forum has called for a shift in Nigeria’s approach to combating insecurity, insisting that defeating violent attacks requires a comprehensive security strategy built on intelligence, community collaboration and rapid military response rather than an increase in troop strength alone.
The position comes in the wake of fresh attacks in Benue and Kaduna states that left dozens dead and several communities devastated, prompting renewed concerns over the country’s security architecture.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the Forum described the killings in Efeyi Community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, and Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State as a stark reminder that criminal groups continue to exploit gaps in intelligence gathering and security coordination.
While mourning the victims and expressing solidarity with the governments and people of the two states, the senators argued that Nigeria’s security response must become more proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred if the cycle of violence is to be broken.
The Forum nevertheless endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening the country’s defence capability.
According to the lawmakers, the expanded military structure could improve operational reach, reinforce border security and enhance the armed forces’ ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats across different parts of the country.
However, they warned that the initiative would only achieve its objectives if backed by sustained investment in modern weapons, intelligence assets, logistics, surveillance technology and improved welfare for military personnel.
The senators also appealed to Nigerians to become active partners in the fight against insecurity by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, noting that local information remains one of the most effective tools for preventing attacks.
They further urged the Federal Government to ensure that the perpetrators of the Benue and Kaduna attacks are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted, while calling for immediate humanitarian support for bereaved families and displaced residents.
The Forum maintained that restoring peace across the country demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in which security agencies, communities and political leaders work in concert to deny criminal elements the space to operate.