Amid growing concerns over escalating attacks across parts of Nigeria, the Senate has taken a firm stance against the growing practice of negotiating peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, warning that such arrangements may be doing more harm than good.
Lawmakers argued that while some state governments have embraced dialogue and amnesty-style arrangements as a means of reducing violence, the recurring cycle of attacks suggests that many of these agreements have failed to produce lasting security outcomes.
The Senate’s position comes against the backdrop of renewed violence in Kogi State and increasing concerns over the activities of criminal groups operating with apparent boldness across several parts of the country.
Lawmakers Demand Shift From Negotiation to Enforcement
During plenary, senators expressed concern that resources committed to peace deals with armed groups could ultimately strengthen the very networks responsible for insecurity.
Rather than pursuing temporary arrangements with criminal elements, lawmakers advocated stronger security operations, improved intelligence gathering, and more decisive enforcement measures aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks.
The Senate maintained that government efforts should prioritise restoring public confidence in state institutions while ensuring that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.
Criminals Operating Openly on Social Media
One issue that particularly drew the attention of lawmakers was the growing presence of suspected bandits on social media platforms.
The Senate directed security agencies to investigate reports of armed criminals who reportedly use platforms such as TikTok to interact with followers, display cash, and project influence online.
Lawmakers described the development as troubling, noting that the public display of suspected proceeds of crime reflects a level of confidence that should concern security authorities.
They urged the Nigeria Police Force and relevant cybersecurity agencies to leverage technology and digital intelligence to identify those responsible and disrupt their activities.
Kogi Attacks Renew Security Concerns
The debate was triggered by reports of fresh attacks in communities within Kogi West Senatorial District.
Senator Sunday Karimi drew attention to the recent invasion of a secondary school in Iluke-Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where armed attackers reportedly attempted to abduct students during examination periods.
The incident, which resulted in multiple fatalities, sent shockwaves through the community and reignited concerns about the vulnerability of schools to criminal attacks.
Lawmakers also referenced another security breach in Yagba West Local Government Area, highlighting what they described as a worrying pattern of violence within the region.
For many senators, the incidents underscored the urgent need for a more proactive and coordinated national security strategy.
Senate Seeks Answers on Illegal Weapons
Beyond the immediate attacks, lawmakers turned attention to a longstanding challenge fuelling insecurity across the country: the proliferation of illegal arms.
To better understand the scope of the problem, the Senate invited the leadership of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to provide explanations on the circulation of weapons and the obstacles confronting enforcement efforts.
Senators argued that addressing insecurity would remain difficult as long as criminal groups continue to gain access to sophisticated weapons with relative ease.
The move reflects increasing pressure on security institutions to demonstrate measurable progress in tackling the flow of arms into the hands of non-state actors.
Growing Demand for a New Security Approach
The Senate’s resolutions signal a broader shift in the national conversation on insecurity, with increasing emphasis on prevention, intelligence, technology, and accountability.
Analysts have long argued that while military operations remain important, sustainable security requires stronger coordination among security agencies, effective border management, community-based intelligence networks, and robust prosecution of offenders.
As attacks continue to affect communities, schools, and economic activities, public expectations for tangible security improvements remain high.
The Conscience Call
The Senate’s rejection of peace deals with terrorists and bandits reflects a difficult but necessary debate about the limits of negotiation in addressing violent criminality.
While dialogue may have a place in resolving certain conflicts, any strategy that allows criminal groups to regroup, rearm, or profit from violence risks undermining long-term security objectives.
Nigeria’s security challenge requires more than reactive responses. It demands stronger institutions, improved intelligence capabilities, tighter control of illegal weapons, and a justice system capable of holding perpetrators accountable.
Ultimately, sustainable peace is achieved not merely through agreements but through the consistent enforcement of law, protection of citizens, and restoration of public trust.
Questions for the Nation
- Have peace agreements with bandits delivered meaningful security gains in affected states?
- How can security agencies better monitor criminal activities on digital platforms?
- What more should be done to curb the circulation of illegal arms across Nigeria?
- Are existing security strategies adequately protecting schools and rural communities?
- What combination of enforcement, intelligence, and community engagement offers the best path to lasting peace?
The Conscience Times
Nurturing a Conscience-Driven Society
