Nigerian Senate Demands More Security Funding After Niger State Massacre

The Senate of Nigeria convened an emergency sitting on February 17 to condemn a series of terrorist attacks in Niger State that left 56 people dead. The violence, which occurred on February 14, involved the abduction of women and children and the burning of residential homes and a police station in the Borgu local government area, specifically affecting the villages of Konkoso and Pissa.

During the session, Senator Sani Musa highlighted the role of strategic forests in the region, which terrorists utilize for cross-border movements. In response, the Senate demanded the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas. The legislative body also mandated five committees—covering Defence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, and National Security—to complete a joint assessment of the situation within four weeks.

Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno challenged the government's financial commitment to safety, noting that budget defenses revealed zero capital budget releases to security agencies. He argued that funding must be prioritized to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency on security.