From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the killing of at least 20 soldiers in a deadly ambush by armed bandits at a military base in Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, calling on the Federal Government to urgently overhaul and upgrade the nation’s security apparatus.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Sani Abubakar Bello (APC, Niger North), and co-sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East) and Senator Peter Ndalikali Jiya (Niger South), highlighting the urgent need for advanced security strategies to tackle the rising tide of banditry and terrorism across Nigeria.
Presenting the motion, Senator Bello lamented the brazen attack that occurred on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in which about 20 gallant Nigerian soldiers lost their lives and several others were injured.
The soldiers were reportedly ambushed at their base by heavily armed bandits, underscoring the growing threat posed by criminal gangs in Niger State and beyond.
The lawmaker further cited disturbing reports of coordinated bandit attacks on the same day in other parts of the country. In Tofa village, Magami district of Gusau LGA, Zamfara State, 15 civilians were reportedly killed.
Similarly, over 100 people allegedly lost their lives in Cida village, Shinkafi LGA of Sokoto State, following clashes between security forces and a gang led by the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
The Senate Committee Chairman on Finance described the situation as increasingly dire, noting that several parts of Mariga LGA have come under the control of bandits who engage in kidnapping, cattle rustling, illegal mining, and violent crimes, including attacks on women.
“From all indications, these bandits are becoming bolder by the day,” Bello warned, “and Nigeria cannot win this war using only conventional means.
There is an urgent need for advanced, scientific, and technological strategies, including international collaborations, to combat these threats effectively, he suggested.
Lending his voice to the motion Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) expressed sorrow and support for the motion, saying;
“We are all heart broken and our hearts goes to the family of these men in uniform who have laid down their life for the security of our people.
“It is our prayers that sooner than later , we will get rid of this deadly terrorists and all those who wish Nigeria bad who are responsible for this needless blood splitting.
“I think ut doesn’t require much debate. Let us pass this motion wholeheartedly and adopt the prayers attached to it.
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted the prayers of the motion in the resolutions the Lawmakers;
Urged the Federal Government to charge the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to rise to the occasion and develop innovative approaches to combat the worsening insecurity;
Called on the Federal Government to engage international partners and adopt modern, scientific, and technological tools to protect the lives of security personnel and reduce casualties during operations;
Mandated a one-minute silence in honour of the fallen soldiers, as well as other security personnel who have lost their lives defending the country and
The Senate reiterated its commitment to supporting national security efforts and emphasized the urgency of adopting unconventional and more effective strategies in the ongoing battle against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
The debate was concluded with observation of a minute silence in honour of the gallant Soldiers.
