The Senate at its plenary session of Tuesday, 21 July 2020, mandated its Committees on Army, Police Affairs, Defence, Interior, Air Force, Navy and National Security and Intelligence to hold a briefing on the State of Security Services in the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies following the increase in the number of casualties of officers.

Leading the debate on a matter of urgent public importance titled “Rising Number of Casualties among the Nigerian Army and Other Security Agencies”, Sen. Ali Ndume (APC: Borno) noted with dismay the increase in number of deaths within security agencies arising from attacks by insurgents. Sen. Ndume informed lawmakers that from the recent attack in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, 24 Military Officers had been killed, 19 injured and 9 others declared missing.

Also, in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, Sen. Ndume stated that 20 soldiers were killed with 19 others injured from an attack on July 18, 2020 and called on the Federal Government to fast-track the provision and supply of modern equipment to enhance the operational capacities of the Armed Forces.  Speaking in support of the motion, Sen. Francis Fadahunsi (PDP: Osun) called on Service Chiefs to step aside from office since they have demonstrated the inability to address the security challenges across the Country. 

The Senate also observed a moment of silence in honor of the slain Military Officers.