By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigerian Senate has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the urgent recruitment of 100,000 additional military personnel to strengthen national security amid rising attacks and student abductions across the country.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved during plenary, prompted by the recent attack on Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, where gunmen killed the school’s vice-principal and abducted 25 students.

Senators described the growing insecurity—particularly the targeting of schools—as alarming and insisted that fresh manpower is needed across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to confront criminal elements.

The Senate further directed a probe into funds allocated to the Safe School Initiative, noting that despite billions spent over the years, schools remain vulnerable to attacks.

Lawmakers stressed that the recruitment of 100,000 new personnel would help close manpower gaps, improve rapid response capacity, and strengthen the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

While the Senate’s resolution is advisory, it places renewed pressure on the Presidency and security agencies to take decisive steps toward increasing the nation’s defense workforce.

The Presidency has yet to issue a formal response.