Senators yesterday asked security agencies to
explore alternative strategies apart from the use of force in their
fight against insurgency, in the wake of resurgent violence in parts of
the North.
At an emergency closed-door meeting with security chiefs that lasted
for about six hours in the Senate chambers in Abuja, the lawmakers said
it was clear use of force alone could not end the shootings and bombings
and so it was time other options were considered.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sa'ad
Ola Ibrahim, Chief of Army Staff General Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal
Alex Bade, Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) Mr. Ita
Ekpeyong, and Deputy Inspector General of Police for Administration Mr.
Suleiman Fakai, who represented the Inspector General of Police.
After the session, which started at 10.25am and ended at 4.23pm, the
security chiefs declined to talk to journalists, while Senate President
David Mark merely said they briefed the Senate on the security situation
in the country.
At a news conference shortly after, Senate spokesman Enyinnaya
Abaribe said the meeting was aimed at finding out "what the problems are
and also to be able to work with the security agencies to bring the
very serious security problems we have to possible resolution." He did
not give details.
But senators told Daily Trust that during the meeting, lawmakers told
the security chiefs that the use of force in the fight against the Boko
Haram insurgency had not produced much result so far. The Senate
therefore urged them to explore alternative strategies.
"We engaged them in a very rigorous questioning session on the level
of insecurity in Nigeria. Every senator was given the opportunity to ask
questions, but the security chiefs told us they were doing their best,"
one of the senators said, asking not to be named.
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