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The Nigerian Senate has called on state governments to stop making peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, saying such deals rarely bring lasting peace and could end up encouraging more crime.
The lawmakers also asked the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to identify and arrest bandits who openly use social media platforms, especially TikTok.
The Senate said many of them display large amounts of cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Sunday Karimi over recent attacks in communities in Kogi West Senatorial District.
Karimi told the Senate that terrorists recently attacked Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to kidnap students writing their Senior School Certificate Examination.
According to him, the attack led to the deaths of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident.
He added that the incident occurred just a day after another attack on a private home in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026.
The Senate also invited the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to explain the recent attacks and discuss the growing problem of illegal weapons in the country.
Senator Ali Ndume has attributed his continued electoral success to the support of his constituents, God, and some political leaders, saying he is not among those favoured within the corridors of power in the current administration.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the senator said he had consistently won elections because of the confidence his constituents have in him and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ndume noted that he was preparing for his seventh election, having previously served two terms in the House of Representatives and four terms in the Senate.
According to him, voters in his constituency are informed and educated enough to make independent decisions, adding that their support for him and the APC reflects their belief that both serve their interests.
The lawmaker also stated that he secured his party’s ticket through the support of God, his people and some political leaders, stressing that he is not among the popular figures within President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Ndume, who has at times been critical of the administration, said he believes public officials should be commended whenever they take actions that benefit the people.
Ndume said: “Well, you always ask me this question. By God’s grace, this is the seventh election I’m going into – two in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate – and I’ve always been winning.
“Our people are not fools. My people are mostly aware and educated. So, if you see them elect APC and Ndume is part of it, it is because they feel that APC is better for them and that’s why they vote for us or that Ndume is better.
“I don’t know tomorrow, but I know my people like me. I know if it is election that’s why I got the ticket.
“I got the ticket from God and my people and the support of some of our leaders. You know I’m not one of the popular guys on the corridor of power so far.
“You know that I’m one of the critical guys of this government, and when somebody does something that you expect or something good to you, you really have to commend him.”
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has said supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, risk boosting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances if they back the former Anambra State governor in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV on Wednesday, Okonkwo argued that Nigeria’s opposition must unite behind a single platform to stand a realistic chance of unseating the incumbent president.
According to him, a fragmented opposition would only strengthen Tinubu’s position ahead of the next general election.
