By Our Correspondent

Angered by recent abduction of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School , Maga , Kebbi State last weekend, the Senate on Tuesday directed security Chiefs to immediately rescue the abducted students from captivity.

It also sought for urgent recruitment of at least 100, 000 men and officials into the military just as it set up an Ad – hoc committee to probe the fund expended so far on the Safe School Initiative .

Resolutions to these effects by the Senate were sequel to an urgent motion sponsored by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi( Kebbi North ) on 25 students of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School Maga in Kebbi State in the early hours of Monday .

Senator Abdullahi in the motion said the abduction of the female pupils and killing of the School Vice Principal by bandits was a dirty slap on the face of Nation which must be seriously looked into and urgently addressed.

” This is a wake up call for the country as far as security and safety are concerned, because a Nation that cannot secure its children , is not worth living in “, he said .

He lamented that if an end is not put to abduction of pupils from their various schools , acquisition of knowledge by school age Nigerians , would be seriously undermined and by extension, stagnates the growth and development of the country .

Contributing to the motion , the Senate Chief Whip , Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno ( Borno North ) , described the act as dastardly which according to him, must be risen against by all Nigerians .

Senator Francis Fadahunsi ( Osun East ) , in his contribution wonders why the criminality of banditry and terrorism still persist in the country despite the effort being put against it by President Bola Tinubu led federal government, warning that the Nation has to get rid of it before foreign powers intervene.

” The more President Tinubu struggles to end the banditry and terrorism , the more kidnapping continues . Crime is spreading every day . Nigerians must stand up against this impunity before we have problem from abroad “, he said .

Senator Sani Musa in his contribution said for banditry and terrorism to be effective curbed in the country , more officers and men , need to urgently recruited into the military to man the ungoverned areas being exploited by the criminal elements to carry out their heinous acts .

The need for probe of the Safe School Programme implemented after the Chibock girls abduction in 2014 , was suggested by Senator Ahmad Lawan ( Yobe North ) , in his contribution.

According to him, since Schools are not yet safe and secured for our pupils , there is need to probe the fund given and how expended that the expected results, are not being received.

The Senate after exhaustive debate on the motion , called for urgent rescue of the abducted school pupils , urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the military to recruit at least 100,000 officers and men as soon as possible for more potent war against banditry and terrorism in the country .

It mandated its committees on Finance , Education and Defence , to carry out thorough investigation on safe school fund instituted in 2014 and observed one minute silence for the Vice Principal of the School as well as Brigadier – General Uba Musa killed by ISWAP terrorists in Damboa , Borno State on Sunday .

In his remarks after adoption of the resolutions , the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio said : “No country is free of crime—not even the United States. But our responsibility is to make laws, pass motions, and take decisions that reduce crime to the barest minimum. Crime is crime; it does not belong to any administration.

“We urge the Armed Forces and all Nigerians with useful information to assist in securing the release of these children and ensuring justice for the victims”.

By George Mgbeleke

HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has condemned the inaction and apparent silence of the President of Nigeria after the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters said they have killed M. Uba, a brigadier general, following the ambush of a convoy of soldiers and operatives of the Civilian Joint
Task Force (CJTF) in Borno state.

HURIWA, the frontline civil society organization said the circumstances surrounding the capture of Brigadier General Uba by the Islamic terrorists and his gruesome killing execution style, is emblematic of the unprecedented penetration of the defence and national security architecture by terrorists just as HURIWA said any functional government in any civilised nation that loses a serving military General would by now be launching the most massive counter insurgency attacks with the aim of decimating, degrading and defeating the terrorists. “Why is the Nigerian State normalising the abnormalities? Why are citizens slaughtered, military Generals and officers killed by terrorists but government keeps going about business as usual without taking any publicly known concrete actions to show national and collective outrage?”

HURIWA said the fact that it seemed like the military General was left to be captured by the military institution going by his last conversations as widely publicised just as the ability of the terrorists to track down his location by breaching the communication architecture of the military and then used the information of gis location provided to the hierarchy of the Armed forces of Nigeria to precisely locate him, demonstrates either that there are many agents and affiliates of the terrorists embedded in the ARMY as claimed previously by the Borno state governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and several other security analysts in Nigeria or that our national security communications infrastructure is sabotaged.

“HURIWA expected that by now, the higher authority in the Armed forces of Nigeria would have set up investigative panel to uncover how the communication network of the security forces of Nigeria was infiltrated by ISWAP who reportedly traced the precise location of the General and his subsequent execution. Then why did the Nigeria Army lied to Nigerians that General Uba returned to base successfully with his troops after beating the ambush of ISWAP? Why are the flag of Nigeria not flying at half mast to signify the severity of the disgraceful capture of a whole serving General for the umpteenth time by ISWAP? Why did the ARMY not learn lessons from the year 2021 capture of a serving General by ISWAP?”

HURIWA recalled that the terrorists ambushed the troops on Friday at Damboa Road along Wajiroko in Borno when they were transporting some military equipment.

The ISWAP fighters reportedly opened fire on the military convoy along the road — an incident that led to a gun duel between the troops and the insurgents.

At least 17 military motorcycles were seized by the ISWAP fighters, while two CJTF operatives and two soldiers were killed during the gun battle.

HURIWA recalled that following the ambush, international news channels reported that there were reports that Uba had been abducted by the insurgents.
However, Onyechi Anele, the army spokesperson, denied the reports on Saturday, insisting that the brigadier general battled the “insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower,” forcing them to withdraw in disarray and abandon their mission.

She said Uba led the troops back to the military base, adding that during the gun duel, two CJTF operatives and two soldiers were killed
Uba was also reported to have released a video statement, confirming he was alive, unharmed, and fully in command.

HURIWA however recalled that Reuters reported that the terrorist group has executed the military general after he was captured. “We wonder how the Nigeria Army is really feeling the impact of brazenly lying to Nigerians that the General wasn’t executed only for foreign news channels to quote materials and information from the terrorists showing proof that General Uba was executed like a common criminal by the Islamist terrorists.

Reuters, quoting a statement posted on its Amaq propaganda channel, said ISWAP claimed responsibility for the ambush.

HURIWA is also criticised the absence of a national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following this high profile incident of the killing by ISWAP of a serving General of the Armed forces of Nigeria just as the Rights group said the killing of the top ranking military officer should have made the security institutions commanded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare that Nigeria is at war or to even escalate the threat level and then expand the counter terrorism war in the Country with a specific timeline given to the heads of the security forces to defeat the terrorists.

“It is sad that the General was let down by the institution of the Army to be slaughtered like a sacrificial lamb by terrorists and some of these same terrorists who were captured by the federal government in the past few months were reintegrated, rehabilitated with taxpayers money and let off the hook to return to the same communities in which they unleashed widespread bloodshed.

Why is the Nigerian State in an unholy communion with Islamic terrorists and when the USA offered to assist to bomb these terrorists out of existence, the current government has been kicking against the offer by President Donald John Trump to wipe out terrorists,” HURIWA affirmed.

By Our Correspondent

Police tactical units, military personnel and vigilante group have been deployed for search and rescue of the twenty-five students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga Danko district Danko/ Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State who were abducted by armed bandits on Monday 17th November 2025.

The Spokesman of the Kebbi State Police Command CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkorshi in a statement on Monday in Birnnin-Kebbi said that at about 0400hrs, information received revealed that, a gang of armed bandits with sophisticated weapons, shooting sporadically, stormed the school and abuducted the students.

According to the statement, “The police tactical units deployed in the school reportedly engaged them into a gun duel.

“Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted Twenty Five students from their hostel to unknown destination. Similarly, one Hassan Makuku ‘m’ was shot dead while Ali Shehu ‘m’ sustained injury in his right hand.

“Upon receiving the unfortunate incident, a combined team of additional Police tactical units, military personnel and Vigilantes has been deployed in the area and they are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forest, with a view to rescue the abducted students and possibly arrest the perpetrators of the darstardly act.”

In a swift response, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani had reiterated the Command’s unwavering determination in safeguarding the lives and property of the residents of Kebbi State.

He equally appealed to the members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting Police operations for peace and stability to be maintained.

Meanwhile,Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Makki Abubakar Yalleman, has said that women play a crucial role in the effectiveness of policing and must no longer be sidelined within the Nigeria Police Force.

He stated this in a remark at a one-day public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, aimed at mandating at least 15 percent female representation in police recruitment and reforming gender-related policies across the Force.

The Bill seeks to compel the Police authorities to adopt a gender-responsive compliance programme covering recruitment, training, posting, discipline, and marital considerations, while also establishing a dedicated unit to monitor compliance.

Yalleman said increasing female representation is not symbolic but necessary to strengthen policing outcomes, particularly in handling cases such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes where women and children are disproportionately affected.

“This Bill seeks to increase the recruitment of women into the Police by at least 15 percent and provide a gender-friendly environment for them to thrive,” he said, noting that the measure aligns with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th Assembly under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

At the hearing, the Ministry of Police Affairs expressed full support for the amendment. Represented by Okorie Kalu from its Legal Unit, the Ministry described the initiative as “commendable and overdue,” adding that it has already begun drafting regulations to eliminate discriminatory enlistment criteria, including restrictions linked to pregnancy and marital status.

Kalu said the Ministry is working on policies to ensure equitable training, duty assignment, dressing guidelines, maternity leave, fair postings, and the establishment of a Women and Children Protection Centre under the Inspector General of Police.

He noted that the amendment would serve as a legal backbone for sustainable reform, but emphasized that proper funding and officer training must accompany the policy shift.

The public hearing drew participation from women’s rights advocates, security experts, civil society groups, and senior police officers, many of whom described the Bill as a necessary step to modernize the country’s policing system.

The House Committee is expected to consider stakeholder submissions before presenting its final recommendations to the House.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said that raising the number of women in the Nigeria Police Force is not just a gender issue but a matter of justice, fairness, and improved policing outcomes.

Abbas, who was represented by Hon Nnamdi Ezechi, said the Police Force has operated for too long with a disproportionately low number of women, especially in leadership positions, a situation that has limited opportunities for qualified women and weakened the institution.

“At its core, this Bill speaks to justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity,” he said. “By increasing the participation of women in the Force, we are not merely advancing the cause of gender equality; we are enhancing professionalism, deepening accountability, and improving the overall quality of policing in Nigeria.”

He noted that global research shows police institutions with stronger female representation record fewer incidents of excessive force, handle gender-based violence cases more effectively, and earn higher levels of public trust.

Abbas also linked the amendment to Nigeria’s Constitution and international obligations, including CEDAW and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

However, he emphasized that legislation alone is not enough, stressing the need for mechanisms to ensure implementation.

“This Bill provides for the establishment of a dedicated unit within the police to maintain records and assess compliance with gender-responsive policies,” he said. “This will ensure that our good intentions are translated into measurable action and tangible results.”

The Speaker urged stakeholders—including the Executive, civil society, police authorities, and advocacy groups—to see the reform as a shared responsibility.

“This hearing is not to apportion blame; it is to enable partnership and progress through collective dialogue,” he said.

Abbas commended the sponsor of the Bill, the House Committee on Police Affairs, and all advocates pushing for gender inclusion in national institutions.

“With this amendment, we take a bold step toward building a Police Force that enforces the law and advances the values of justice, equality, and respect for human dignity,” he stated.

The Ministry of Police Affairs threw its full support behind a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act seeking to guarantee at least 15 percent women representation in police recruitment and enforce gender-responsive reforms across the Force.

Speaking at a public hearing of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Okorie Kalu of the Ministry’s Legal Unit said the issue is so important that the Ministry’s submission was personally signed by the Permanent Secretary

Kalu said the Bill—which mandates gender-sensitive policies in recruitment, training, marital status, posting, and discipline—aligns with ongoing reforms already initiated by the Ministry.

“The amendment of Section 9 (1)(F) of the Police Act to address historical gender gaps and discriminatory provisions is an applaudable step in revolutionizing the Nigeria Police Force,” he said. “The Ministry has no objection to the amendment.”

He disclosed that the Ministry has already begun drafting new regulations to eliminate discriminatory enlistment criteria such as restrictions based on marital status and pregnancy, and to remove gender-based duty assignments and dress code limitations.

Other reform measures initiated by the Ministry include: Integration of the NPF Gender Policy into routine police procedures; Introduction of maternity leave and religious accommodation provisions; Equitable posting policies; Establishment of grievance and complaint mechanisms with oversight; and Reorganization of the IGP’s office to include a Women and Children’s Protection Centre, as well as human rights and internal affairs units

Kalu emphasized that the Bill would provide the necessary legal backing for these changes to take effect seamlessly.

He also called for dedicated budgetary allocations for gender programmes, continuous training of police officers on gender issues, and improved monitoring through the Ministry’s Planning, Research and Statistics Department.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, he said: “Anything that will make women more visible and more responsive, the Ministry will support it — not only in police activities, but everywhere. My mother is a woman, my wife is a woman, my sisters are women, and my daughters are women. So why not? It will make them happy.”

He thanked the House Committee and urged continued collaboration to build a more inclusive Police Force.