The Nigerian Senate has raised alarm over the recent spike in Boko Haram and banditry attacks across the country, warning that the violence may be politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The concerns were raised during plenary on Wednesday, following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau (PDP, Taraba North). He highlighted the growing insecurity in several states, particularly in the North-East and North-Central regions.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) warned that the pattern of violence mirrors what occurred before the 2015 elections. According to him, some individuals are allegedly planning violence as a backup in case they lose political power in 2027.
“In the last two weeks alone, up to 30 people have been kidnapped in my senatorial district,” Karimi said. “The Borno State Governor recently alleged that some military personnel are colluding with terrorists. This should not be taken lightly.”
He called on the recently formed Senate committee on national security to investigate these claims thoroughly and work with intelligence agencies to identify and punish anyone collaborating with insurgents.
“These attacks may not be random,” Karimi warned. “They could be part of a coordinated strategy by people who feel they are losing political relevance and want to create chaos as a path to power.”
Supporting the motion, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) pointed to violent outbreaks in Karim Lamido (Taraba) and Alkaleri (Bauchi), questioning the timing and pattern of the crises.
“Why now? Why are these attacks increasing as we approach another election cycle?” Goje asked. “We must not ignore the possibility that some of these incidents are politically motivated.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity and urged security agencies to take swift and effective action. “We cannot continue to bury our people in mass graves,” he said. “Over 70 people were killed in a single attack recently. This must never happen again.”
The Senate called on security agencies to increase surveillance and presence in high-risk areas, especially around the Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi state borders. It also urged local and state governments to take stronger steps to protect their communities.
In addition, the Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to urgently deliver relief materials to affected communities.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the recent wave of violence and reaffirmed its commitment to finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
