The Nigerian senate has asked the service chiefs in the country to step aside following a rise in insecurity in the north east and north central parts of the country.

Chief of Army staff Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshall Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff  Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Defense Staff General Abayomi Olonisakin according to the law constituting their appointments have outlived their service terms.

The call by the legislators comes barely 48 hours after an ambush by suspected bandits in Katsina State on Saturday left at least 16 soldiers and officers dead and 28 others wounded.

Senator Ali Ndume from Borno state who sponsored the motion on the floor of the senate on Tuesday said should the trend of incessant attacks on the troops continue, it will affect the nation’s fight against insecurity.

“The senate appreciates the sacrifice of our armed forces in the fight against the insurgency and banditry and protection of territorial integrity and several other security assignments given to them.

“The senate is concerned that if the trend continues, it would have serious implications on the fight against insurgency, banditry.

“It has been alleged that over 200 soldiers voluntarily resigned their engagement or appointment with the Nigerian army,” Ndume said.

Under the 8th Assembly, there were repeated calls for a shakeup of the nation’s security setup including the removal of the service chief.

The 9th Assembly has also not spared them of criticism. President Muhammadu Buhari, has, however, opted against showing them the door, a move that has also been criticised by the opposition and several prominent Nigerians.