SENATE CALLS FOR 100,000 ADDITIONAL MILITARY RECRUITMENT TO COMBAT INSECURITY

Abuja, Nigeria — November 19, 2025

The Senate has called on Nigeria’s Armed Forces to immediately recruit at least 100,000 additional personnel as part of an urgent, expansive strategy to confront escalating insecurity in several parts of the country.

The resolutions followed a motion debated on the floor of the Senate in response to the abduction of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, which occurred on Monday. The lawmakers described the incident as yet another painful reminder of the worsening security challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

As part of its actions, the Senate also announced the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the funding, expenditure, and overall effectiveness of the Safe School Programme. The initiative, designed to protect educational institutions from attacks, has faced long-standing questions over its implementation and impact.
In its resolutions, the Senate strongly condemned the abduction and expressed deep sympathy to the families of the kidnapped students, noting the emotional and psychological toll on parents, guardians, and the affected communities.
Additionally, the lawmakers mourned the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other military personnel in Borno State, acknowledging their sacrifice in the fight against insurgency and violent extremism. The Senate reiterated the need to honour fallen heroes by strengthening the military’s capacity and morale.

The call for a massive recruitment drive, senators argued, is necessary to expand manpower, reinforce overstretched forces, and restore public confidence in the nation’s ability to protect its citizens.

The chamber further urged the Executive to prioritise the procurement of modern equipment, improved welfare, and enhanced training for security agencies to ensure a more effective and coordinated response to insecurity nationwide.