The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday rejected a proposal calling for an investigation into how military funds are being spent, even as lawmakers expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across parts of the country, especially recent bandit attacks in Oyo and Kwara States.
Instead of approving a financial probe, senators agreed to focus on urgent security responses, including efforts to rescue victims still in captivity and the need to strengthen the Safe School Initiative to better protect schools nationwide.
The session began on a serious note, with lawmakers observing a moment of silence in honour of a teacher and other victims killed during recent attacks in Oyo State.
The debate was triggered by a motion moved by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who raised alarm over the kidnapping of 49 people and the killing of schoolteacher Michael Oyedokun, alongside other victims, including a toddler.
Security concerns were further intensified when Senator Sulaiman Sadiq raised the issue of worsening insecurity in Kwara North, warning that communities in the region now live under constant threat from bandits.
During discussions, senators voiced worry over the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks across the country, stressing the need for stronger and more coordinated action from security agencies.
However, the conversation shifted when Senator Adams Oshiomhole pushed for a detailed review of military spending, arguing that funds allocated to security should be properly tracked and accounted for.
The former Edo State governor questioned why earlier Senate resolutions on insecurity had not produced visible results, warning that such decisions may amount to nothing if not properly enforced.
He also pointed to the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi State, noting reports that security personnel assigned to the school had been withdrawn shortly before the incident.
Oshiomhole said the Senate had previously asked military authorities to identify those responsible for insecurity and report back, but no update had been provided.
He argued that without accountability, efforts to tackle insecurity would remain weak, insisting that the use of security funds must be properly reviewed.
Supporting the call for closer oversight, Senator Sani Musa said the National Assembly had approved large budgets for defence over time, yet insecurity continued to worsen in many parts of the country.
He urged security agencies to explain how the funds were spent and called for stronger monitoring by lawmakers.
Musa also raised concerns about poor equipment and unpaid allowances for security personnel despite heavy government spending in the sector.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin admitted that concerns about accountability in security spending were valid and needed attention.
However, when Oshiomhole formally moved for the inclusion of a probe into military expenditure, the motion failed as no senator supported it.
A later attempt to amend the resolution to include the proposal also did not receive backing.
The Senate eventually adopted its final resolutions on the security situation without approving any investigation into military spending.