By Ken Afor
President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the country’s legislative arm is convinced that the measures put in place by the service chiefs to stem the tide of insecurity will yield the desired result.
Akpabio made this known following a closed-door meeting with the Security Chiefs and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to Akpabio, the Senate passed a vote of confidence on the security chiefs following the submission of progress reports by the security heads.
Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, noted that such measures have led to the arrests of some of the criminals causing terror in some parts of the country.
He said, “After listening to the security chiefs, the Senate is convinced that serious measures are already being carried out against criminals in the country by the various security agencies.
“Such actions are indeed yielding results with arrest of many of the criminal non-state actors within the last few days which would surely bring about a secured and safe country for us all.
While acknowledging the efforts made by the security agencies, Senator Akpabio urged the agencies not to rest on their laurels but to improve their collaborations with other agencies for the overall security of lives and property in the country.
On the part of the legislators, he assured of more collaborative efforts with the federal government in ensuring that matters of security would be treated with utmost importance.
“Senate is particularly impressed with arrest of those who perpetrated heinous crimes across the country in recent time.
“We, however, urged the various security agencies to do more by enduring synergy in their operations for total security of lives and property in the country,” he said.
Akpabio added, “On our part as legislators, we shall collaborate more with the executive arm of government towards putting the menace behind us.
“We commend Mr President for his determination and focus in ensuring the security of lives and properties.
“Senate also commends the Security Chiefs for their efforts so far and particularly the men and women on uniform and leaders of various security who despite the challenges, paid supreme sacrifice to ensure they keep the community safe. We urged them to go with all the suggestions made here”.
It would be recalled that the Senate summoned the security chiefs to appear before it for an interactive session over the rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, killings, and other criminal activities across the country.
The invitation followed the killings in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, which led to loss of lives, including security personnel, and destruction of properties, as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo LGA, also in Benue, all in the month of January.
