The Senate has called on the federal government to sustain and intensify ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central) and co-sponsored b other senators during plenary on Tuesday.

The Senate urged the government to strengthen security operations by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, improved logistics and better welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces.

The lawmakers stressed that the measures should be pursued consistently until all Nigerians can live, work, conduct their businesses and pursue education without fear.

The upper legislative chamber also urged the federal government to ensure the prompt payment of statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements to the families of fallen security agents.

It further called for sustained investment in the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces 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 school children and five teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Moving the motion, Mr Bamidele praised Mr Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture following the abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.

He noted that the president at that time immediately directed the Armed Forces and security and intelligence agencies to deploy every lawful resource necessary to secure the unconditional rescue of the victims.

The Senate leader recalled that after more than 50 days of coordinated intelligence-driven operations, security forces rescued the victims on July 10, arrested eight suspected terrorists and killed several others.

He observed that the operation restored hope among Nigerians, especially parents and school communities, while demonstrating the growing operational effectiveness and professionalism of the nation’s security agencies.

Mr Bamidele, however, paid tribute to three security operatives who lost their lives during the rescue mission.

They were identified as F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Senate also commended Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained injuries during the operation, wishing him a speedy recovery and urging the relevant authorities to provide him with the best medical care and his welfare entitlements.

The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen heroes and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the entire security community.

Contributing, Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo) commended the federal government and the Armed Forces, saying, “We appreciate the federal government for bringing our children back.”

Similarly, Adamu Aliero (APC-Kebbi) said, ‘What the armed forces did is commendable.

“There are other children still in captivity in Borno and Yobe. I want the armed forces to ensure other children still held in those states gain their freedom.”

On his part, Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) knocked Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo over his call for a United Nations-led probe into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.

He said, “Makinde should not be seen as downplaying and politicising the issue. At this moment, suggesting that external bodies such as the United Nations should take over responsibilities that rightly belong to Nigeria would amount to questioning our nation’s sovereignty.

“It will also be undermining the efforts of our security institutions and the leadership that has supported these operations.

“This is a time for us to unite, commend the achievements recorded and encourage our security agencies to sustain their efforts until peace and security are restored across the country.”

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) called on the government to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation to the rescued victims.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, commended Mr Tinubu, saying, “the president has done very well.”

“We know the commitment he has deployed to change the trajectory of insecurity in the country. The Senate will continue to support him,” Mr Barau said.

(NAN)