Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, on Wednesday revealed that suspected Boko Haram members and other criminal elements were once found on recruitment lists for the Nigerian Army and police.
He made the revelation during a special plenary session focused on the nation’s security challenges.
Hon Wase, an APC lawmaker representing Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, warned that the infiltration of security institutions by individuals with criminal backgrounds poses a significant threat to national security.
He noted that his claims could be verified by Muktar Betara, former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence and current Chairman of the Committee on the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Wase, there had been recruitment exercises where the names of known insurgents and criminals appeared among those shortlisted for the armed forces and police.
He cautioned against indiscriminate endorsements of candidates for security recruitment, insisting that only credible and trustworthy individuals should be recommended.
Hon Wase, who personally lost a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist attacks, stated that the North Central region accounts for nearly 52 per cent of the country’s overall insecurity burden.
He narrated the distressing experience of one of his younger brothers who pleaded to be relocated from their violence-ridden community.
Hon Wase also called for a review of the presidential directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties.
While acknowledging that the policy may have good intentions, he stressed the need for proper categorisation to avoid exposing key officials to undue risks.
Speaking for the North-West Caucus, Sada Soli described the insecurity in the region as highly complex, driven by criminality, environmental pressures, governance weaknesses, and worsening economic realities
He argued that military force alone would not resolve the situation and called for a combination of security operations, governance reforms, environmental management, and economic development.
In his view, sustainable peace relies on rebuilding trust in government, reforming land and livestock systems, and ensuring that communities are involved in shaping solutions.
Representing the North-East Caucus, Muktar Betara described the region as the epicentre of terrorism, insurgency, and recurring communal violence.
He referenced major tragedies such as the 2015 Baga massacre and numerous bomb attacks that have claimed many civilian and security lives.
Hon Betara maintained that although the challenges are enormous, coordinated action, strong commitment, and a clear strategy can help restore public confidence and slow the spread of violence.
From the South-South, Senator Solomon Bob of Rivers State criticised successive administrations for lacking the political will to address insecurity.
He argued that governments since 1999 have failed in leadership by choosing appeasement and negotiations with violent groups rather than enforcing the law.
Sen Solomon added that labelling terrorism as mere banditry undermines the gravity of the crisis.
Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on women and children, referencing recent mass abductions in Papiri and Kamba.
She described these incidents as not only security lapses but violations of the state’s fundamental responsibility to protect lives and property.
