The Nigerian Senate has urged state governments to stop entering peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, warning that such arrangements rarely deliver lasting peace and may instead embolden criminal activities.
Lawmakers also called on the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to identify and arrest bandits who openly use social media platforms, particularly TikTok, to flaunt large sums of cash suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Sunday Karimi over recent attacks on communities in Kogi West Senatorial District.
Karimi told the Senate that terrorists recently attacked Iluke Bunu in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to abduct students who were writing their Senior School Certificate Examination.
According to him, the attack resulted in the deaths of the school’s vice principal, a teacher, and another resident.
He further disclosed that the incident occurred just a day after another attack on a private residence in Odo Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026.
The Senate maintained that negotiating with criminal groups has consistently failed to provide sustainable security and warned that such deals could encourage further attacks and lawlessness.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for stronger security coordination and decisive action to curb the growing threat of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.
The Senate also invited the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to brief lawmakers on the recent attacks and address concerns over the rising circulation of illegal arms in Nigeria.
