The Nigerian Senate has raised alarms over the recent spike in banditry and Boko Haram attacks, linking the disturbing trend to the approaching 2027 general elections.
During deliberations on a motion of urgent national concern—sponsored by Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau (PDP, Taraba North)—several lawmakers warned that the resurgence of insecurity mirrors patterns seen in the lead-up to the 2015 elections.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) noted that within the past two weeks alone, dozens of people in his constituency had been kidnapped. He cited recent statements by the Borno State governor, who suggested that certain factions within the military might be colluding with insurgents. “We need to ask: what is the motive behind this? Who benefits from this instability?” Karimi questioned.
He cautioned that, much like 2015, some individuals may be orchestrating violence in anticipation of election loss. “This may be a deliberate strategy by those fearing political irrelevance to destabilize the nation and forcefully regain power,” he added.
Karimi called on the newly established national security committee to work in tandem with intelligence agencies to uncover and prosecute those possibly working with terrorist groups.
Echoing his concerns, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) cited escalating violence in regions like Karim Lamido and Alkaleri, describing the attacks as part of a broader national security crisis. “We must investigate whether this uptick is linked to political tensions ahead of 2027. This isn’t a coincidence,” Goje said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the killings, particularly referencing incidents where over 70 lives were lost in a single attack. He emphasized the need for urgent and sustained security reforms. “As a people, we must never allow such tragedies to repeat themselves,” Akpabio stated.
In its resolution, the Senate urged increased military presence and surveillance across Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi state borders. Lawmakers also appealed to local and state governments to take a firmer stand against escalating violence.
Furthermore, the Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide immediate relief to affected communities. A moment of silence was observed in honour of those who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
