President Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering the army, police and intelligence services to immediately expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.
He also urged the National Assembly to initiate the process of legalising state police to tackle the escalating wave of kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the country in the past week.
But in a rare departure from the usual solidarity with the executive, several Senators and House of Representatives members criticised the Federal Government for negotiating with bandits for the release of hostages seized in separate attacks in Kwara and Kebbi States.
The lawmakers demanded a halt to the negotiation with the terrorists and punishment for the official who ordered the withdrawal of troops from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, where 24 students were kidnapped on November 17.
The bandits also stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting over 300 pupils and 12 teachers just four days after 24 schoolgirls were taken from GGCSS.
During the Kebbi attack, the vice principal, Hasan Makuku, was shot dead, while the principal was injured. About 50 girls later escaped, but the rest are still with their captors.
Another gang invaded a CAC church in Kwara State, killing at least two worshippers and abducting 38 people. The victims were released on Sunday, while the students were freed on Tuesday.
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