Senate Summons Defence Minister, IGP Over Escalating Insecurity in Kwara South — Demands Permanent Military Base in Ifelodun
STORY Written by Peterson October 9,2025
The Nigerian Senate has summoned Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to appear before lawmakers over the rising wave of insecurity in parts of the country, especially Kwara South Senatorial District.
The Senate also demanded the establishment of a permanent military base in Ifelodun Local Government Area, following the brutal killing of 12 vigilantes and the Baale of Ogba-Ayo community by armed bandits in Oke-Ode, a town in Kwara South.
During Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), titled “Urgent Need to Address Insecurity in Kwara South Senatorial District.”
Ashiru expressed grave concern over the increasing frequency of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings in Kwara South, which have forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.
“In the last 12 months alone, no fewer than 142 persons have been kidnapped and over 70 killed across the district. About 25 communities are now deserted because of repeated attacks,” he said.
He revealed that the attacks are often carried out by foreign armed groups collaborating with local informants, operating from forest hideouts along the Kwara–Kogi–Ekiti boundary.
The Senate also directed its Committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to visit the affected areas for an on-the-spot assessment and report back within two weeks.
Ashiru lamented that the security response so far has been inadequate and reactive, allowing criminal gangs to control large parts of the district. He noted that local vigilantes, who serve as the first line of defense, lack weapons, logistics, and protective equipment despite their sacrifices.
“These community defenders are risking their lives daily without adequate support. The federal government must act decisively before the crisis spreads to other parts of North Central and South West Nigeria,” he warned.
Several senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North), Mustapha Saliu (Kwara Central), Sadiq Umar (Kwara North), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), and Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), supported the motion and called for immediate coordinated action to restore peace.
They emphasized that the deteriorating security in Kwara South poses a grave threat to regional stability and national unity, urging the executive to deploy more troops, intelligence resources, and modern surveillance equipment to the area.
The Senate’s resolution marks a renewed call for stronger federal intervention in Nigeria’s rural security crisis, particularly in states facing cross-border banditry and terrorism.
