Senate Urges Tinubu to Recruit 100,000 Soldiers Following Kebbi School Abductions

The Nigerian Senate has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately commence the recruitment of an additional 100,000 soldiers into the Nigerian Army, following the abduction of more than 25 female students from a secondary school in Kebbi State.

The attack occurred on Monday in the state’s southern district, leaving the school’s vice principal dead and the principal seriously injured.

Raising a motion on Tuesday, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya described the incident as a “national disgrace” and condemned the surge in insecurity across the country.

“This is a slap in the face of the nation,” Yahaya said, stressing the urgent need for reinforced military capacity to protect schools and citizens.

Senator Aminu Tambuwal added that past security budgets had failed to adequately safeguard educational institutions. “We must ensure that our children are protected and that the military is properly equipped and staffed to tackle these threats,” he said.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, likened the recent abductions to the Chibok tragedy of 2014-2015 and called for swift action. “The resurgence of these kidnappings is alarming. Nigeria cannot afford to be reactive; we must act decisively to secure our schools and children,” he said.

Other lawmakers, including Senators Ahmad Lawan, Victor Umeh, and Adams Oshiomhole, supported the call for urgent reinforcement of the nation’s defense forces. “We cannot allow citizens to live in constant fear. An adequately equipped army is crucial in addressing these security challenges,” Oshiomhole said.

The international community, Akpabio added, is closely monitoring the unfolding security situation in Nigeria.

The Senate’s appeal comes amid growing concern over escalating attacks on schools, a phenomenon that has reignited national debates on security and governance.