Senate Moves to Ban Election Campaigns in 8 States Amid Rising Insecurity

The Nigerian Senate has called for urgent and drastic steps to address worsening insecurity across parts of the country, including the possible suspension of political activities in some states ahead of future elections.

The position was made known during plenary on Wednesday after a motion raised concerns over renewed attacks and growing threats in several regions.

Raising the issue, Bauchi Central lawmaker Abdul Ningi warned that the situation on ground requires immediate and serious attention.

He said, “Mr President, we cannot continue to think that because we are in Abuja, therefore this thing (insecurity) does not affect us.”

He stressed the need for tough decisions, suggesting that authorities may have to either halt political activities nationwide or focus on the most affected areas.

According to him, “One of the things that we must do, and I want us to take this issue very seriously, is either to suspend all political activities across this country or look at the frontline states of Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi and some parts of Kano.”

He added, “We need to suspend activities in these states until we are sufficiently certain that the insecurity challenges are over.”

Ningi further expressed frustration over what he described as repeated discussions without decisive outcomes. “This is because we are not dealing with this insecurity issue at all. And I am not blaming anybody. We cannot come here every time to lament,” he said.

The debate followed fresh concerns over the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, especially in the North-East. Lawmakers noted a rise in coordinated attacks on military formations and increasing threats against civilians.

In a separate resolution, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue over 400 civilians reportedly abducted in Borno State since late March.

The motion was sponsored by Tahir Monguno and supported by other lawmakers including Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan.

While leading the discussion, Monguno warned that the renewed attacks are reversing gains made by the military in recent years. He said the development poses a serious risk to national stability and security.

Ndume, in his contribution, raised concern about the condition of abducted victims. He disclosed that insurgents have issued threats regarding their fate if urgent steps are not taken. He called for swift intervention from both the National Assembly and the Presidency.

Also speaking, Diket Plang said continued attacks on military personnel are creating fear among citizens. He warned that the killing of security officers sends a troubling message about the country’s security situation.

Following deliberations, the Senate strongly condemned the attacks and observed a minute of silence for fallen soldiers.

Lawmakers also directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs to carry out a full review of affected military formations. The aim, they said, is to identify gaps in equipment, intelligence, and operational strategy.

The chamber further urged the Armed Forces to improve compliance with international humanitarian standards and properly investigate reports of civilian harm during operations.

Communities were also encouraged to support security agencies with useful and timely information, as the Senate commended troops under Operation Hadin Kai for their efforts on the frontlines.

The development comes after a disturbing video surfaced showing abducted victims held by a faction of Boko Haram. The group, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, reportedly threatened against any rescue attempt.

The victims were said to have been taken during an attack on a military base in Ngoshe, in Gwoza, earlier in March. During the attack, several assets were destroyed and casualties recorded, while many civilians were taken away.