The Senate has called on the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and co-sponsored by all senators during Tuesday’s plenary.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to strengthen ongoing security operations through the deployment of modern military equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence gathering, improved logistics and better welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
According to the Senate, these measures should be sustained until Nigerians can live, work, conduct business and pursue education without fear.
The upper chamber also called on the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other statutory entitlements to the families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
It further urged sustained investment in the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The Senate also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Presenting the motion, Bamidele praised the President for what he described as decisive leadership following the abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.
He recalled that Tinubu immediately directed the Armed Forces and all security and intelligence agencies to deploy every lawful resource necessary to secure the unconditional release of the victims.
According to him, after more than 50 days of intelligence-driven operations, security forces rescued the victims on July 10, arrested eight suspected terrorists and neutralised several others.
Bamidele said the operation restored hope among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities, while demonstrating the growing professionalism, operational efficiency and coordination of the nation’s security agencies.
He also paid tribute to three security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission: Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Senate equally commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained injuries during the operation, wishing him a speedy recovery and urging the authorities to provide him with the best medical care and all his entitlements.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen personnel and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the wider security community.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo) applauded the Federal Government and the Armed Forces for securing the victims’ release.
“We appreciate the Federal Government for bringing our children back,” he said.
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi) also commended the military, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.
“There are other children still in captivity in Borno and Yobe. I want the Armed Forces to ensure they also regain their freedom,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo), however, criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction, saying such comments could undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies.
“Makinde should not be seen as downplaying or politicising the issue,” Oshiomhole said.
