Senate Demands Urgent Rescue of Kidnap Victims as Lawmakers Resume Plenary

The Nigerian Senate has resumed plenary with a renewed call for intensified efforts to rescue citizens held captive by kidnappers and protect communities facing security threats across the country.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the demand on Tuesday as lawmakers returned from their annual recess, which began on July 23, 2026. He said the Senate would use legislation, budgetary powers and oversight to address insecurity and other challenges confronting Nigerians.

Akpabio urged the Federal Government and security agencies to step up operations aimed at securing the release of kidnapped Nigerians and protecting communities considered vulnerable to attacks.

“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is itself captive, and this chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” Akpabio said.

He stressed that protecting citizens remained a responsibility of the state, warning that Nigerians should not be left to face security threats without adequate government protection.

“We cannot summon citizens to courage and then leave them to face danger alone. Their safety is a charge laid upon us and upon every institution of government, particularly this Nigerian Senate,” he added.

The Senate President said lawmakers would review existing security measures and consider further legislative, budgetary and oversight interventions. He also identified flooding and the rising cost of living among the issues the Senate would focus on after its return from recess.

Akpabio said the Senate’s break from plenary had not brought an end to the difficulties confronting Nigerians, stressing that the country’s challenges continued even while lawmakers were away from the chamber.

“We adjourned since the 23rd day of July, 2026. The sittings of the Senate ceased in plenary for a season, but the life of Nigeria did not cease,” he said.

He added that government’s response to kidnappings must go beyond expressions of sympathy, insisting that affected citizens were entitled to concrete action from state institutions.

“Sympathies alone cannot discharge our duties. They are entitled to our attention, our resolve and the full force of our constitutional responsibilities,” Akpabio stated.

His comments come amid continuing reports of abductions in parts of Nigeria. Recent security operations have also resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims, including 10 people rescued during separate operations in Zamfara State.