‘Stop making peace deals with bandits’ – Senate warns states

The Nigerian Senate has urged state governments to cease signing peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, arguing that such deals rarely result in lasting peace and may actually encourage further criminal activity.

Senators also requested that the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre identify and arrest bandits who publicly use social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where many display large amounts of cash that are believed to be proceeds from criminal enterprises.

The move follows a motion tabled by Senator Sunday Karimi after recent attacks in communities within the Kogi West Senatorial District.

Karimi reported that terrorists recently assaulted Iluke‑Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to kidnap students preparing for the Senior School Certificate Examination. The attack resulted in the deaths of the school’s vice‑principal, a teacher, and another resident.

He added that the incident occurred just one day after another attack on a private home in Odo‑Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026.

The Senate also invited the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to explain the recent attacks and discuss the growing problem of illegal weapons in the country.