On Wednesday, the Senate of Nigeria rejected a proposal put forward by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) to investigate how funds allocated to the military for combating insurgency and banditry were used in the past. The proposal also called for an inquiry into claims that some of the money was misused for purposes like building universities in the hometowns of former military leaders and even purchasing yachts for the navy. The Senate’s decision was seen as a refusal to hold past security chiefs accountable for these alleged misappropriations.
Despite rejecting this proposal, the Senate did pass a resolution urging the federal government to explore partnerships with private security firms to help combat insurgency and banditry in Nigeria. The senators also emphasized the need for the Nigerian military and security agencies to adopt modern technology and advanced strategies to fight insurgency and other criminal activities more effectively.
The debate was sparked by a motion presented by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) regarding recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State. These attacks, which occurred on June 29, 2024, left 32 people dead and many others injured. Senator Ndume used this tragic event as an example to highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region, particularly in Borno, which has been a hotspot for terrorist activities for many years.
In his motion, Ndume described how the suicide bombers targeted civilians during a wedding ceremony, a funeral, and even a hospital in Gwoza. One of the bombings took place near a busy motor park in Tashan Mararaba, a neighborhood in Gwoza. The victims were mostly civilians returning from a wedding celebration, and it was reported that one of the attackers was a young woman in her early twenties. Ndume’s motion aimed to draw attention to the urgency of addressing the security crisis in the region, calling for a more coordinated and effective response from security agencies.
While the Senate condemned the Gwoza attacks and recognized the need for better security, the additional request by Senator Oshiomhole for an investigation into past military spending was rejected. Oshiomhole had suggested that previous security chiefs had used military funds for personal projects, including the establishment of universities that had little to do with security matters and the purchase of luxury yachts for the navy. He argued that these funds should have been better used to invest in modern technology and scientific equipment, which could have been more effective in combating insurgency and criminal activities.
Senator Oshiomhole’s motion also pointed out that had the military been properly equipped with the right tools, the country might have seen better results in the fight against insurgency and banditry. He emphasized that global advancements in technology and modern methods of warfare were crucial in winning the battle against terrorism, and Nigeria should have invested more in these areas rather than diverting funds to non-security-related projects.
However, despite Oshiomhole’s concerns, the Senate did not approve his call for an investigation. Instead, the Senate focused on broader solutions to the country’s security challenges. One of the key resolutions passed was for the government to engage private security companies in the fight against insurgency and banditry. This recommendation suggests that the Nigerian government should consider working with private security firms that may have the resources, expertise, and technology to assist in securing the country.
The Senate also urged the Nigerian military and other security agencies to adopt modern technologies and more scientific approaches to tackling crime and terrorism. The use of drones, surveillance systems, and advanced communication technologies could help enhance intelligence gathering, improve operational efficiency, and make it easier to track and neutralize insurgent groups and criminal networks.
While these resolutions may provide some hope for better security management, the rejection of Oshiomhole’s motion left many questions unanswered about the past misuse of military funds. Critics argue that without holding past military leaders accountable for their spending decisions, it will be difficult to restore public trust in the military and its ability to effectively tackle the country’s security challenges.
In recent years, Nigeria has faced growing security threats, with insurgents like Boko Haram and various bandit groups wreaking havoc across the northern and central regions. These groups have carried out deadly attacks on civilians, including bombings, kidnappings, and assaults on military bases. The government’s response has been heavily criticized for its lack of coordination, inadequate resources, and failure to adapt to the changing tactics of insurgents.
The situation in Borno State, where the Gwoza suicide bombings took place, has been particularly dire. Borno has long been at the center of the conflict between the Nigerian military and Boko Haram insurgents. The violence in the region has displaced millions of people, destroyed countless homes, and disrupted the local economy. Despite efforts by the government to regain control of the area, insurgent groups continue to operate with relative freedom, launching attacks on civilian targets and military installations.
In light of these challenges, the Senate’s resolutions to encourage the government to adopt more advanced technologies and collaborate with private security firms appear to be a step in the right direction. The success of the military in fighting insurgency and banditry may depend on its ability to adapt to new realities and utilize the latest tools and methods available.
However, many Nigerians remain concerned that without proper oversight and accountability, past mistakes may be repeated. If the government continues to divert military funds for personal or unrelated projects, it could undermine the efforts to combat insecurity and jeopardize the safety of citizens across the country. The call for better use of technology and private security collaboration is important, but it should be accompanied by greater transparency and accountability in how resources are allocated and spent.
In conclusion, while the Senate’s rejection of Senator Oshiomhole’s proposal may have disappointed some, it is clear that the security situation in Nigeria remains a top priority for the government and the Senate. The challenges of insurgency and banditry require innovative solutions, including the use of modern technology and the engagement of private security firms. However, it is equally important to ensure that military resources are used effectively and that the government is held accountable for any past mismanagement. Only through coordinated efforts, transparency, and the adoption of modern strategies can Nigeria hope to overcome its security crisis and provide a safer future for its citizens.
