Akpabio Speaks on Lingering Security Challenges, urges Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls

“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” he said.

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday sympathised with victims of kidnapping, terror attacks and flooding across the country, saying the Senate must do more to ensure the safety of citizens.

Mr Akpabio expressed condolences to the victims and acknowledged the responsibility of the legislature to address the country’s security challenges.

He stated this in his address welcoming his colleagues back to plenary after a nine-week annual recess.

“During our recess, families have waited in anguish for loved ones taken by armed men in Marisa, at Dekera Mosque and elsewhere in our country. Communities have lived beneath the shadow of violence. Others have watched floodwaters sweep away their homes and their labour.

“To those who mourn, to those who wait and to those who have been driven from their homes, we offer our sympathy. But sympathy alone cannot discharge our duty. They are entitled to our attention, our resolve and the full force of our constitutional responsibility,” he said.

‘Nigeria in captivity’

Mr Akpabio lamented the increasing cases of kidnapping across the country.

He said as long as a Nigerian remains in captivity, a part of the country is also being held captive, adding that the Senate shares the burden of those affected.

“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” he said.

The Senate president called on security agencies to ensure the rescue of those in captivity and protect vulnerable communities.

He said the legislature would work to strengthen the protection and security of citizens through appropriate legislative interventions.

“We call upon our security agencies to pursue the rescue of captives and the protection of vulnerable communities with renewed vigour. We shall examine, through legislation, appropriation and oversight, what more must be done to end these infernal assaults upon our people. We cannot summon citizens to courage and then leave them to face danger alone. Their safety is a charge laid upon every institution of government, including this Senate,” he said.

Kidnapping has remained across the country. Data from SBM Intelligence showed that 7,825 people were kidnapped in 1,411 incidents between July 2025 and June 2026, with at least ₦7.78 billion paid in ransom during the period.

The crisis has also affected schools. In May 2026, armed assailants attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted pupils and teachers.

The victims spent 56 days in captivity before security forces rescued those who remained alive in July. The military said the operation involved several security agencies and local security groups.

Schoolchildren have been repeatedly targeted by armed groups over the past decade, beginning with the 2014 abduction of 276 girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. A review published in June 2026 documented at least 2,531 students kidnapped in 31 school attacks since 2014.

Places of worship have also become targets. In January 2026, armed men attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, during Sunday services. More than 150 worshippers were abducted, with local authorities and community leaders reporting varying figures as efforts continued to account for the victims.

The attacks have not been limited to Christian places of worship. In August, hundreds of worshippers were reportedly abducted during attacks around mosques in Niger State.

Sympathy for flood victims

Meanwhile Mr Akpabio also sympathised with victims of flooding, saying the country needs adequate preparation, protection and relief measures for affected communities.

“We stand also with those afflicted by floods. A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended. When a farmer loses a harvest, our country loses food it can ill afford to spare. When a family loses its home, the nation has a stake in helping that family rise again. We thank those who have laboured in emergency response, and we urge every level of government to match their dedication with action taken in time,” he stated.

The senate president also acknowledged the rising cost of living and the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians, saying the chamber was aware of the economic difficulties confronting citizens.

“Many Nigerians continue to bear a heavy cost of living. In this Chamber, we must examine figures, forecasts and reforms with care. But we must never forget how the economy is felt beyond this Chamber: by the mother counting the cost of a meal, the graduate searching for work and the small business owner striving to keep the doors open. They will judge our efforts by what changes in their lives. We must hear their concerns and answer with work that yields results,” he said.

2027 elections

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Mr Akpabio urged candidates and political parties to avoid politics that could undermine the country’s unity.

He also called on them to desist from violence and intimidation.

“Distinguished colleagues, the contest for Nigeria’s future is already before us. Campaigns for the 2027 general elections have begun. Parties have chosen their candidates. Citizens will weigh rival visions. Let the candidates for the various offices speak, and speak with conviction, for the causes they hold dear. Let the contest be vigorous; let it be open; and let every participant remember the country that must live together when the contest is over.

“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians. We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another. Let every candidate make a case and answer hard questions. Let every citizen be free to decide. We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake. No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.

Mr Akpabio also urged his fellow senators to conduct themselves with dignity, humility and unity during the campaign season.

“This Senate must show the way. Within these walls sit men and women of different parties, regions and convictions, entrusted with the representation of one Republic. We shall continue to disagree, as a free Parliament must. Yet we must hear one another, conduct our affairs with dignity and fulfil our duties throughout the campaign season. The people sent us here to serve until the end of our mandate. There is work before us, and we shall remain at our posts in spite of the campaigns,” he said.

Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary

The senate president also felicitated with Nigerians ahead of the country’s 66th independence anniversary, saying those who fought for the country’s freedom should be honoured for their patriotism.

“In two days, Nigeria will mark sixty-six years of independence. We shall honour those who believed that this vast and varied land could govern itself and shape its destiny.

“We honour them most faithfully when we guard the freedom they helped secure and use it to enlarge the prospects of those who come after us. Patriotism requires clear eyes and a steadfast heart: clear eyes to see our difficulties, courage to confront them and steadfastness to go on building together.

“Let us, then, return to our duties with steady hands. Let us work for the safety of our people, the strength of our institutions and a better chance in life for every child of this Republic. Let us campaign with honour, debate with conviction and serve with humility. We have returned to this Chamber because Nigeria’s work continues. By God’s grace, we shall keep faith with her, and with the people who sent us here,” Mr Akpabio said.