Chukwu Obinna 
Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
ABUJA, Nigeria – The President of the Senate has unveiled a sweeping reorganisation of security-related committees, installing new leadership across four critical parliamentary bodies as lawmakers intensify scrutiny of Nigeria’s troubled defence and intelligence sectors.
Announcing the changes at Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio named Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North as the new Chairman of the Committee on National Intelligence and National Security. Abdullahi, a former Senate Leader, is now responsible for oversight of intelligence coordination, counter-terrorism strategies and inter-agency synergy.
Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi South—removed last week from the Intelligence Committee over alleged performance gaps—was reassigned to head the Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry. The committee has grown in security relevance due to recurring farmer-herder conflicts nationwide.
Akpabio also appointed Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West as Acting Chairman of the Air Force Committee, while Senator Musa Mustapha of Yobe East now chairs the National Planning Committee, tasked with integrating development priorities into national security strategies.
The restructuring follows the Senate’s dissolution of the Intelligence and Air Force committees on 26 November after a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
In addition, the Senate has directed all security-related committees—including those overseeing the Army, Navy, Defence, Interior and Police Affairs—to submit comprehensive oversight reports within seven days. These will be followed by closed-door briefings before the full chamber.
Parliamentary sources say the move reflects deepening frustration with the performance of Nigeria’s security agencies amid persistent insurgency, banditry and communal violence. The effectiveness of the newly reconstituted committees will be tested in the coming weeks as the Senate demands measurable improvements from the country’s expansive security architecture.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 
Hussaini Ibrahim