The Senate on Tuesday resumed plenary with a demand for intensified efforts to rescue Nigerians held captive by kidnappers and protect communities facing security threats.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made the demand as the upper chamber resumed after its annual recess, which began on July 23, 2026.
He said the Senate would deploy legislation, appropriation, and oversight to tackle insecurity, flooding, and the rising cost of living facing Nigerians.
Akpabio urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify operations to rescue kidnapped Nigerians and protect vulnerable communities.
He said the Senate would scrutinise existing measures and consider additional legislative, budgetary and oversight interventions to address insecurity.
“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,” he said.
He added that government institutions must not leave citizens exposed to security threats, stressing that the protection of lives remained a responsibility of the state.
“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 said.
Continuing, Akpabio said the Senate could not return from recess and ignore the worsening challenges facing citizens, stressing that the suspension of plenary had not stopped the difficulties confronting the country.
“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.
“Our victories should be measured in safer communities, better livelihoods for all Nigerians, and a stronger country for those we serve and for generations unborn,” he said.
The Senate President expressed particular concern over the abduction of Nigerians by armed groups, saying the government could not respond to their plight with sympathy alone.
“Sympathies alone cannot discharge our duties. They are entitled to our attention, our resolve and the full force of our constitutional responsibilities,” he stated.