The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, approved President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Mrs. Ayo Omidiran as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, signaling a notable change in the leadership of the agency that ensures fair representation across federal institutions.

Omidiran, who previously served as a lawmaker in Osun State, was confirmed alongside Peter Eze from Enugu State and 36 other nominees for Federal Commissioner positions, following a screening report by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

The confirmation took place during a plenary session led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Senator Allwell Onyesoh (PDP, Rivers East), chairman of the committee, stated that all nominees appeared before the panel on Tuesday and met the qualifications and competence required for their respective roles.

He noted, “The committee did not receive any criminal complaints against any of the nominees. They submitted all required documents and demonstrated capacity for the roles they were nominated for.”

Onyesoh added that the vetting process reviewed nominees’ curriculum vitae, Code of Conduct clearance certificates, police and DSS reports, and other eligibility documents, alongside individual presentations and an in-depth question-and-answer session.

He emphasized that nominees from all 36 states and the FCT satisfied constitutional requirements, describing them as “eminently qualified.”

The committee also highlighted Eze’s performance during the screening, noting his deep understanding of the FCC’s mandate and the reforms needed to enhance the agency’s effectiveness.

“His appointment will strengthen the capacity of the Federal Character Commission to review outdated statutes and harmonise them with current realities,” Onyesoh said.

Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved for the chamber to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole for detailed examination of the nominees.

Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olalere Oyewumi supported the motion, stating, “From their résumés, they have held different positions both locally and internationally. I thank Mr President for finding them worthy.”

After a state-by-state review, the Committee of the Whole adopted the report without objections and returned to plenary, where Akpabio put the nominations to a voice vote, which passed unanimously.

Eze’s nomination had previously been made public by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.

An economist and public administrator from Aji in Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State, Eze currently serves as Executive Assistant to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s in Customs Management from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing.

The other 36 nominees confirmed on Thursday include: Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Abdulwasiu Bawalla (Lagos); Obinna Oriaku (Abia); Bema Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom); Nnoli Gloria (Anambra); Babangida Gwana (Bauchi); Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa); Aligba Tarkende (Benue); Modu Mustapha (Borno); Dr. Stella Ekpo (Cross River); Ederin Idisi (Delta); and Nwokpor Nduka (Ebonyi).

The list also includes: Victor Edoror (Edo); Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); Ibrahim Mairiga (Gombe); Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo); Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna); Muhammad Nayya (Kano); Anas Isah (Katsina); Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara); Isah Jibrin (Niger); Ajimudu Bola (Ondo); Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo); Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Kaigama (Taraba); Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced a nationwide security emergency following a surge of violent attacks across several regions.

In a statement, he announced major security directives, saying, “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”

Under the new measures, both the military and police will expand their personnel, with Tinubu confirming, “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.” He also authorised the use of NYSC camps as temporary police training centres and ordered rapid retraining for officers withdrawn from VIP duties to improve deployment to high-risk areas.

Tinubu empowered the DSS to operationalise its forest security structure, stating, “The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.”

He added firmly, “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
The President described the situation as “a national emergency” and urged citizens to support government efforts: “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

He commended recent security successes, assured ongoing rescue operations, and encouraged herders to embrace ranching, noting, “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward.”

Tinubu also issued a firm warning to perpetrators of violence: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.” He concluded by calling for unity and vigilance, saying, “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

What Is A Security Emergency?

A security emergency is a comprehensive and aggressive response to criminals and threats across the country.

The government establishes extraordinary security measures to confront existential threats to public safety, deploying expanded military and police resources, accelerating recruitment, and authorising heightened operations in troubled zones.

The declaration was made due to the worsening security situation in Nigeria, which requires urgent and decisive action. The mandate of security agencies is to protect lives and property with full government backing.

What It Means?

The nationwide security emergency triggers emergency-level responses: the military, police, and intelligence agencies are authorised to expand recruitment and deploy additional forces, especially to security-challenged areas.

For example, the national police force was ordered to recruit an extra 20,000 officers, bringing the total targeted recruitment up to 50,000.

Intelligence and forest-guard units are being activated or strengthened to clear terrorist hideouts, particularly in rural or forested regions.

What The Law Says About Emergency In Nigeria

Under Section 305(3), the President may proclaim a state of emergency if certain conditions exist, including an actual or imminent breakdown of public order and safety, a threat to national security, war or insurrection, or other public dangers threatening the federation’s existence.

The declared emergency can initially last up to six months, and extensions, if any must follow constitutional procedures.

The goal is to restore public order, protect lives and property, and reinforce state capacity to respond to widespread insecurity by deploying “more boots on the ground” and mobilising all security agencies for coordinated action.

In a moment of national relief, all 24 schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in Kebbi State last week have been safely released, President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday.

The students, kidnapped amid rising bandit attacks in the region, returned home unharmed. Yet uncertainty persists over what truly led to their freedom.

The abduction took place on November 17 at Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.

Armed attackers stormed the school shortly after a military team withdrew, killing the vice principal and injuring a security guard before escaping with 25 students. One student fled during the chaos, leaving 24 in captivity for more than a week.

Government Celebrates Rescue, But Questions Linger

President Tinubu praised the release as the result of a swift and coordinated operation by security agencies, led by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Through his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the president expressed deep relief, saying, “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for.” He ordered intensified efforts to rescue other captives across the country and promised to deploy more troops to rural communities vulnerable to attacks.

Matawalle, acting on Tinubu’s instructions, relocated to Kebbi to oversee the operation and later confirmed that a tactical team successfully secured the girls’ freedom.

The federal government also pointed to non-kinetic strategies, including coordination between the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, as part of the process, though specific details were withheld for operational reasons.

The situation sparked a series of similar incidents. In Eruku, Kwara State, gunmen kidnapped 38 worshippers from a church vigil on November 20; all were later freed after security pressure.

In Niger State, more than 300 pupils and teachers were taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, though 50 of the missing children were later found at home, indicating some may have fled during the attack rather than being captured.

As insecurity escalated, Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force to begin continuous aerial surveillance over forested zones in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, with ground troops receiving real-time intelligence.

Communities were urged to promptly report suspicious movements. Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris demanded a full military investigation into why troops withdrew shortly before the attack, describing it as “clear sabotage.”

Bandit Video Sparks Public Outrage and Doubts Over Rescue Claims

Amid nationwide celebration, a disturbing propaganda video released by the kidnappers raised doubts about the official account. In the video, a gunman questions the girls about any overhead military jets which none were reported and boasts that authorities were unable to rescue them by force.

He claims their release came through negotiations with “leaders,” adding, “Your government has failed,” before permitting the girls to leave. The students said they were not mistreated, starved, or assaulted during captivity.

The footage supported local reports suggesting a negotiated release rather than a tactical rescue, intensifying public debate over the government’s approach to dealing with bandit groups. Critics argue that negotiations may empower criminal networks and encourage further abductions.

Human rights advocates and northern leaders renewed demands for better school security, warning that banditry in the North-West continues to uproot communities and weaken confidence in state protection.

Analysts note that while the girls’ safe return is a relief, the circumstances raise urgent questions about long-term solutions to insecurity.

As investigations continue, the Tinubu administration faces growing pressure to clarify what happened and to develop stronger strategies against the armed groups exploiting Nigeria’s remote regions.