NSA, Security Chiefs to Appear Before Senate Next Week Over Insecurity 

NSA, Security Chiefs to Appear Before Senate Next Week Over Insecurity

Amid rising security concerns across Nigeria, the Senate has once again summoned top security chiefs, including National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, to appear before the chamber next week.

The summons follows growing fears over worsening violence, particularly in Benue State, and allegations that some international agencies may be financing terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

Among those set to face the lawmakers are Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed and Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, confirmed that the meeting—initially scheduled for February 19—was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. Next week’s session will focus on urgent security challenges and legislative actions to combat insecurity.

A key issue to be addressed is the controversial claim that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been linked to funding Boko Haram and other terrorist factions in Nigeria. The Senate is expected to demand clarity from security agencies on these allegations and explore Nigeria’s response to such foreign interference, if verified.

The Senate also turned its attention to the ongoing violence in Benue State, where bandit attacks in Gwer-West Local Government Area have led to widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

Senator Titus Zam (APC-Benue) presented a motion citing the killing of four individuals on March 10, which triggered mass protests by frustrated youths. The protesters, accusing government officials of negligence, set fire to the local government secretariat, the palace of the traditional ruler, and homes of prominent figures in the community.

Zam criticized the state government’s failure to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, arguing that the lack of implementation has emboldened criminal elements and further escalated insecurity in Benue