Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has said Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges, expressing optimism that insurgency, banditry and kidnapping will ultimately be brought under control.
Karimi spoke in Abuja while receiving constituents from the seven local government areas of Kogi West who visited to mark his third year in the Senate.
He described the recent spate of violent incidents across parts of the country as a coordinated attempt by criminal networks to undermine national stability, spread fear among citizens, and distract the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from its governance priorities.
Despite the concerns, the senator maintained that Nigeria’s security agencies have continued to record operational gains, demonstrating resilience in the face of sustained threats.
“What we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt to create fear and instability. But Nigeria has faced difficult challenges before and came out stronger. This phase will also pass,” he said.
Karimi cited recent rescue operations, including the release of Mrs. Olaide Busayo John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, as evidence of progress in ongoing security efforts.
He also referenced continued military offensives against insurgent groups and armed criminals across different parts of the country, describing them as part of sustained pressure on violent actors.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Services, commended President Tinubu for supporting security agencies and advancing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that ongoing discussions around expanded security coverage and state policing reflect efforts to improve the country’s response to evolving security threats.
“Our security personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices to defend the country. They deserve the support, cooperation and understanding of all Nigerians,” he said.
Karimi also expressed confidence that victims of recent abductions, including schoolchildren and teachers in different parts of the country, would be rescued through continued security operations.
He acknowledged the anguish of affected families, assuring that government institutions were working to ensure the safe return of all those in captivity.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Abdulganiyu Salaudeen, commended Karimi’s representation over the past three years, describing it as impactful and responsive to constituents’ needs.
Salaudeen also praised the senator’s interventions in security and infrastructure, particularly his advocacy for the rehabilitation of the Kabba–Isanlu–Egbe–Ilorin road, which he said remains vital to the socio-economic life of Kogi West.
Karimi, however, maintained a note of cautious optimism, insisting that despite current challenges, Nigeria’s security forces and democratic institutions will ultimately prevail over forces of destabilisation.