The Senate has urged Nigerians, particularly Katsina communities, to remain united and vigilant amid worsening insecurity, warning against internal collaborators undermining national security.

The lawmakers cautioned that individuals aiding or shielding criminals posed grave threats to peace, stability and effective security operations across affected communities.

The call followed a Point of Order raised by Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC–Katsina) during Wednesday’s plenary.

The motion was titled, “Need to Review Approach in Addressing Insecurity in Katsina State: A Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention.”

Moving the motion, Mr Dandutse decried “recent horrific attacks on Nigeria Police Mobile Force officers ambushed in broad daylight at Guga, Bakori Local Government Area.”

He said three cops were killed, while two others sustained critical injuries during the ambush.

Mr Dandutse added that as of February 3, 35 people were killed across Funtua Zone in multiple attacks within two weeks.

He listed 24 deaths in Faskari, eight in Mahuta Ward of Dandume, two in Maska Ward, Funtua, and one in the Kankara Local Government Area.

The senator warned that persistent banditry was crippling agriculture, noting over 50,000 farmlands were currently uncultivable.

“This is jeopardising food security and the livelihoods of our people,” Mr Dandutse said.

He recalled that Katsina State’s governor led Funtua elders to President Bola Tinubu, where insecurity challenges were formally presented.

He stated, “Mr President pledged during the visit to site a military barracks in Malumfashi for the zone.”

Mr Dandutse noted criminals exploited forest corridors linking Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina, complicating rescue operations and inter-state coordination.

“Continued inaction risks mass displacement, collapse of rural livelihoods and long-term psychological trauma among vulnerable populations,” he stated.

The Senate commended Mr Tinubu and security agencies for swift interventions, urging sustained, coordinated operations until criminals were eliminated.

“We urge Mr President to fulfil his pledge to establish a new military barracks in the zone,” the resolutions read.

Contributing, Senator Titus Zam (APC–Benue) expressed sympathy, saying, “Katsina people share the pain of killings by enemies of this country.”

Mr Zam said attacks had reduced in his region due to firm presidential directives, but urged the military to “increase the pace to outsmart these enemies.”

Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa South) said security was foundational, warning that negotiating with bandits was disastrous and unacceptable.

“Negotiation empowers them on one side while fighting them on the other,” Wadada said.

Senator Garba Maidoki (APC–Kebbi) said the army was performing well but remained understaffed nationwide.

“If we cannot increase troop strength, 230,000 soldiers will not end banditry,” he said, urging increased military funding.

“We must resource the army adequately so this ends this year; we don’t want this problem beyond 2026,” Mr Maidoki added.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said, “We are of the opinion that this banditry must end. My prayer for Nigeria this year is the end of banditry and insurgency.”

Mr Akpabio urged exploration of sophisticated drones for vast terrains and assured lawmakers would favour the military in the 2026 budget.

He also tasked the National Orientation Agency to intensify public sensitisation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities promptly. 

(NAN)