In response to the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, the Senate has resolved to summon the country’s service chiefs for a discussion on the matter. The decision was made following deliberations on a motion regarding the recent abduction of five female students from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State, on Wednesday.
The summoned service chiefs include:
- Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa
- Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja
- Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla
- Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar
Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, have also been invited to the Senate’s meeting.
The lawmakers asked security agencies to be more proactive and ensure the rescue of the abducted female students as well as the corps members kidnapped by terrorists in Zamfara State.
They urged the military to conduct special operations to dislodge bandits in the North-West and in other parts of the country and also called on the Federal Government to address the manpower deficit in the armed forces and police.
The senators also emphasised the need for the creation of state police as one of the solutions to the security challenges in the country.
But, the upper chambers have yet to fix a date for the planned meeting with the service chiefs.
Recall that five female students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), in Katsina State were kidnapped by suspected terrorists on Wednesday.
The police confirmed the arrest of one suspect in connection with the incident.
The victims were said to have been kidnapped in their residence located behind Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial International School along Tsaskiya Road.
An eyewitness in a report by Channels Television informed that the students were abducted in the early hours of Wednesday at about 2:30 a.m.
The Police Spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq has confirmed the incident.
Sadiq explained that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, stating that the investigation was still ongoing with a view to rescue the abductees from the hands of the hoodlums.
He said, “Yes, it is true, the incident has taken place but we have already arrested one suspect for now in connection with the incident and we are investigating the incident to unravel the circumstances surrounding it please.”