Chairman Senate Committee on House Services representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has expressed confidence that the current wave of insurgency and banditry across Nigeria will ultimately fail, describing it as a temporary challenge that will become a mere footnote in the nation’s history.
Karimi made the assertion while receiving constituents from the seven local government areas of Kogi West at his Abuja residence during a visit to commemorate his third year in office.
According to the senator, the recent surge in insecurity is part of a deliberate attempt by enemies of the country to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and distract it from achieving its objectives.
He alleged that local criminal elements, working in collaboration with foreign interests, are orchestrating attacks across different parts of the country in a bid to create fear, instability and public discontent.
“The efforts to destabilise Nigeria and unsettle democratic governance will fail. What we are witnessing is a coordinated attempt to embarrass the government and create panic among citizens, but the nation will overcome these challenges,” Karimi stated.
The lawmaker noted that recent security breaches in states such as Oyo, Katsina, Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara and Ogun have heightened public concern.
He, however, commended security agencies for their swift responses in several instances, leading to the rescue of victims and neutralisation of criminal elements.
He cited the recent rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan, as well as successful joint operations involving Nigerian and Beninese troops against insurgents in parts of Niger State.
Karimi also praised the Nigerian military and its international partners for sustained operations against Boko Haram, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other terrorist groups.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services commended President Tinubu for maintaining focus on tackling insecurity and advancing efforts toward strengthening the nation’s security architecture, including moves to fast-track the establishment of state police.
“Our security services deserve commendation. The enemies of the country are becoming more daring, but our security personnel continue to make sacrifices to protect Nigerians. The President is providing the necessary support in the national interest,” he said.
The senator further expressed optimism that schoolchildren recently abducted in Oyo and Borno states would soon regain their freedom and be reunited with their families.
“We are deeply pained by these unfortunate incidents. Those of us in government are parents and understand the agony of the affected families. Government is on top of the situation, and every effort is being made to ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he added.
Karimi also applauded the growing synergy among the nation’s security and defence agencies, describing it as a major factor behind recent successes recorded in the fight against insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, former council chairman and former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulganiyu Salaudeen, commended Senator Karimi for his performance over the past three years.
Salaudeen praised the lawmaker’s contributions to the development of Kogi West, particularly his support for security initiatives and advocacy for the rehabilitation of the Kabba–Isanlu–Egbe–Ilorin road, which he described as vital to the economic growth and security of the district.
He conveyed the goodwill and prayers of the people of Kogi West to President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Senator Karimi as the nation approaches another political cycle.
