The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution to summon the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. The officials are expected to appear before the lawmakers to provide a detailed briefing on the coordinated Federal Government response to the soaring insecurity in Kwara South Senatorial District.

The Senate also strongly urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South. The recommended location is near the thick forest belts of the Ifelodun Local Government Area, which would allow the base to serve as a rapid response hub to effectively tackle insecurity across the zone.

These resolutions were reached following a motion of urgent national importance that was sponsored during the plenary session by Senator Lola Ashiru (representing Kwara South).

The red chamber also called for the immediate deployment of additional troops and special units to clear the forests and restore normalcy in affected communities in the senatorial district.

In his lead debate, Senator Ashiru lamented the escalating insecurity in Kwara South, especially in Ifelodun LGA, where he said bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings have reached alarming levels in recent weeks.

He disclosed that the development has forced thousands of residents to flee their communities.

After a debate on the motion, the Senate mandated its committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and report back within two weeks.

It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide humanitarian relief to displaced persons in Ifelodun and other affected LGAs.

The red chamber equally urged the federal government to compensate families of fallen forest guards and vigilantes who died defending their communities.

Army deploys full brigade to Kwara forests

The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade with heavy military equipment to Kwara State to dislodge bandits operating from forests in parts of the northern and southern axis.

The deployment saw troops and armoured vehicles advancing through communities around Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, according to a government statement on Wednesday night.

Daily Trust reports that the affected communities had come under renewed attacks lately from the bandits, killing and kidnapping many victims in the process.

The operation forms part of the ongoing Operation Fasan Yanma aimed at neutralising armed criminal groups and restoring peace across affected areas.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue over the weekend in Jos, thanked the president for his swift intervention and the military hierarchy for their commitment to public safety.

"We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen the security of lives and properties," the Governor said in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

He expressed optimism that the new deployment would bring lasting relief to communities that have suffered repeated abductions and killings.

"We are upbeat that this operation, as part of Operation Fasan Yanma, will eliminate all forms of threats in affected areas in Kwara South and Kwara North.

"I thank the President and the security agencies for the efforts so far. As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people. We are confident that the operation, under the theatre commander Major General Soyele, who is accompanied by Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde, will succeed in this important task and clear the entire area," he said.

The governor also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who had earlier relocated to Kwara to oversee the operation.

Security challenges require multi-level policing - Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for decisive legislative action to establish a multi-level policing system to address the nation's deepening security challenges.

Abbas made the call on Wednesday during a public hearing on the Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, 2024, organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

He said security sector reforms have become a national priority and must now "move from theory to decisive action."

Represented by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Hon. Muktar Shagaya, the Speaker said creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious national consideration.

The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed legislation would mark a major step toward strengthening Nigeria's national security architecture through the regulation and professionalisation of private intelligence operations.