The Senate has asked the Federal Government to begin a fresh review of Nigeria’s firearm regulations to allow responsible citizens legally own guns.

The lawmakers took the position after adopting a motion on the rising wave of insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States.

This resolution came at a tense plenary session, where senators warned that bandit attacks and mass abductions were becoming uncontrollable.

According to the federal lawmakers, communities were increasingly exposed, and they argued that the government must “update old security laws to match the realities on ground.”

Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, sponsored the motion. He told the chamber that the situation in many parts of the North-Central and North-West had deteriorated rapidly.

Ashiru recalled several recent attacks on schools, churches and rural settlements, including the November 18 assault on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, where two worshippers were killed and 38 people abducted.

The chamber agreed that the insecurity crisis had forced many schools to shut down, leaving thousands of children out of classrooms.

Some lawmakers expressed fear that the continuous closure of unity schools could have long-term national consequences.

Senators also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for suspending his official foreign engagements to coordinate ongoing rescue operations.

According to them, the President’s intervention contributed to the release of 38 kidnap victims in Kwara and the 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi.

However, the lawmakers insisted that government must go beyond rescue missions. They warned that communities cannot remain defenceless while criminals operate freely.

Ashiru argued that Nigeria’s current firearm law was outdated. He said over 175 countries had frameworks that permit citizens to bear arms under strict supervision and that Nigeria should not remain an exception when criminal gangs are already heavily armed.

During debate, senators called for a complete overhaul of security operations. They stressed the need to identify “internal collaborators” undermining the system, especially after several allegations of suspicious troop withdrawals in crisis-prone areas.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe cited the comment by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, that soldiers were withdrawn from the area where 24 schoolgirls were abducted shortly before the attack.

Abaribe asked, “What Nigerians want to know is — who ordered the withdrawal?”

He added: “If I were the President, I would summon the commander immediately. Someone must account for that decision.”

Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole backed the call for accountability. He insisted the public deserved to know who authorised the withdrawal. “The President is doing his best, but we must do things differently,” he said.

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson also lamented the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing it as a disturbing sign that internal compromise may exist within security ranks.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, urged urgent reforms in the country’s security architecture. He said the rescue of the Kwara abductees was “relieving but not a celebration,” insisting that kidnappers still roam freely.

Bamidele added that the Senate must also strengthen its oversight committee on security and intelligence.

He dismissed proposals for the National Assembly to suspend sittings in protest, saying the country needs practical solutions, not dramatic displays. “This is no time for theatrics. Lives are at stake,” he said.