The Nigerian Senate has approved the interim findings of its Ad Hoc Committee on the upcoming National Security Summit, setting the stage for a comprehensive discussion on tackling the country’s growing security challenges.
The committee conducted sessions across the six geo-political zones to collect insights that would guide the planned summit in January 2026.
Senate Leader and Committee Chairman, Opeyemi Bamidele, presented the report during Wednesday’s plenary, highlighting key recommendations aimed at shifting the nation’s security approach from reactive responses to proactive strategies.
Among the proposals were the creation of state police units, wider use of modern technology in counter-terrorism efforts, and stricter measures against kidnappings, banditry, and sponsors of violent crimes.
The committee also suggested structured ranching programs for livestock to prevent recurring clashes between farmers and herders.
“The current system, where security agencies respond only after incidents occur, does little to reassure citizens of their safety,” Bamidele noted while introducing the report.
The committee also stressed the importance of enhanced coordination among security agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering and joint operations.
Recommendations also included safeguarding community access to ancestral lands and addressing the encroachment of foreigners into local territories.
In addressing underlying causes of insecurity, the report called for a federal fund to tackle unemployment, poverty, corruption, drug abuse, illiteracy, and radicalization.
It also proposed establishing inter-religious and ethnic councils to foster community harmony and empowering traditional leaders to strengthen rural governance.
Additional suggestions focused on improving the regulation of mining activities and updating border laws to curb illegal migration and other security threats.
The Senate approved the recommendations unanimously, with no debate requested by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
