A former senator representing Kaduna Central has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in combating terrorism across the country, rather than focusing on holding a national security summit.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Wednesday, Shehu Sani stated that Nigeria had engaged in enough dialogue on insecurity and must now adopt a more robust approach in tackling terrorism and banditry, which he described as a protracted war lasting over a decade.
Sani emphasised that securing victory over these threats is as vital as preserving the unity, peace, and survival of the Nigerian state.
His comments come amid heightened insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, where numerous lives have been lost, villages destroyed, and communities displaced. In response, the Senate on Tuesday resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to organise a two-day national security summit in Abuja.
The proposed summit will involve federal, state, and local governments, traditional leaders, and security stakeholders, aiming to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s longstanding security crisis.
Proponents believe fresh engagement with a broader group of stakeholders could foster innovative strategies, strengthen national security coordination, and better equip the armed forces.
However, sceptics in the Senate warned that past summits failed to produce tangible results. Despite the criticism, the motion passed, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the committee to begin preparations without delay.
Sani, however, dismissed the usefulness of such gatherings:
“For us, we’ve spoken far too much about insecurity. What we need is decisive action. Our government’s efforts have failed to eliminate the activities of terrorists and bandits,” he said.
He added that despite previous hopes of defeating insurgents, they have repeatedly resurged—bolder and more violent—terrorising communities, abducting civilians, and extorting ransoms.
Highlighting the regional scope of the crisis, Sani noted that Nigeria’s battle is shared by its neighbours, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. He linked recent military takeovers in those countries to failed civilian efforts to address rampant insecurity.
Regarding the summit, he insisted Nigeria must innovate and invest in technological warfare.
“Terrorists are increasingly using sophisticated tools like drones. We must upgrade our capacity and rethink our strategy.”
He acknowledged the complexity of the conflict and urged continued support for Nigeria’s armed forces:
“This is the battle of our generation. The terrorists cannot defeat the Nigerian state, but unity and perseverance are key.”
Concluding, Sani warned that more dialogue without action would only prolong national suffering.
“Sitting in an air-conditioned hall giving endless speeches achieves nothing. We need to act,” he said.