‘Stop Making Peace Deals With Bandits’ — Senate Warns States

The Nigerian Senate has urged state governments across the country to stop entering into peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, warning that such arrangements often fail to deliver lasting security and may instead embolden criminal groups.

Lawmakers argued that negotiations and informal settlements with armed groups have not reduced attacks in several regions, but in some cases have been followed by renewed violence and more sophisticated criminal operations.

The Senate also called on the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to identify, track, and arrest bandits who openly use social media platforms, especially TikTok, to display large sums of money believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who raised concerns over rising insecurity in Kogi West Senatorial District and other affected parts of the country.

Karimi told the Senate that terrorists recently attacked Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where they attempted to kidnap students writing their Senior School Certificate Examination. The attack reportedly led to the killing of the school’s vice principal, a teacher, and another resident.

He further informed the chamber that another attack occurred a day earlier in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026, where armed men also targeted civilians in a separate violent incident.

Lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as a worsening pattern of coordinated attacks across rural communities, particularly in parts of northern and central Nigeria.

In addition to the security concerns, the Senate resolved to invite the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to provide explanations on the recent attacks and address the growing proliferation of illegal arms in the country.

Senators said the unchecked circulation of small arms and light weapons continues to fuel insecurity and makes it easier for criminal groups to carry out repeated attacks on vulnerable communities.

They stressed the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, improved intelligence gathering, and stricter enforcement measures to curb the activities of armed groups operating across different regions of the country.

The Senate reiterated its commitment to supporting policies that enhance national security and protect citizens from ongoing violent attacks.