The Nigerian Senate has expressed deep concern over rising bandit attacks in Katsina State, which reportedly left at least 35 people dead within 24 hours. The attacks included an ambush on operatives of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force in Bakori Local Government Area, resulting in three policemen killed and two others critically injured. Senators described the violence as a serious threat to public safety and local livelihoods.

Senator Mohammed Dandutse, who sponsored a motion on the attacks, said multiple local government areas were affected, including Faskari, Dandume, Funtua, and Kankara. He highlighted the impact on agriculture, noting that over 50,000 farmlands had been abandoned due to insecurity, putting food production and local economies at risk. He also emphasized the porous routes linking Katsina to Kaduna and Zamfara, which bandits exploit to carry out raids.

During the debate, lawmakers, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, called for stronger security measures, including more troops, modern equipment, and intelligence-led operations. Senator Aliyu Wadada cautioned against negotiating with bandits, saying it encourages further attacks. The Senate adopted the motion, urging President Bola Tinubu to expedite the construction of a military barracks in Malumfashi to address the security crisis.

In addition, the upper chamber requested that the Inspector-General of Police equip the newly formed police squadron in the region with at least three Armoured Personnel Carriers. Senators also directed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief to affected communities. The session concluded with a one-minute silence in honour of those killed in the attacks.