ABUJA — In a firm stance against ongoing security challenges, the Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to immediately end the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram insurgents into Nigerian society, insisting instead that all suspected terrorists be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The upper chamber expressed deep concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation, which it described as increasingly complex, persistent, and alarming. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes continue to claim lives, destroy livelihoods, and severely disrupt economic activities across the nation.
The resolutions emerged from a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army. Titled “Escalating Attacks, Abductions and Killings of Serving and Retired Military Personnel: A Growing Threat to National Security and State Authority in Nigeria,” the motion highlighted the rising targeting of military officers by criminal elements.
Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and other Nigerians who have fallen victim to terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and related crimes. The Senate also resolved to send a delegation of senators to commiserate with the family of the late senior officer, the Katsina State Government, and the Nigerian Army.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure that perpetrators of terrorist acts and other violent crimes are promptly arrested and brought to justice. It commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices while calling for enhanced intelligence gathering, better inter-agency collaboration, improved surveillance, early warning systems, and greater use of modern security technologies.
The chamber further urged stronger partnerships between security agencies, local communities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to boost community-based intelligence.
The push to discontinue the reintegration policy was strengthened by an additional prayer from Senator Joseph Ikpea (APC, Edo Central), who noted growing public concern over the approach. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) backed the position, emphasising the need to prioritise justice for victims, accountability for offenders, and adequate support for security personnel and their families.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) described the recurring attacks on serving and retired military personnel as “disturbing and unacceptable,” while Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) called for enhanced legislative oversight of security operations.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, acknowledged the gravity of the issues but urged a balanced view, noting that terrorism is a global challenge requiring sustained national and regional cooperation. He praised security operatives for their efforts and called for continued public support.
The Senate’s position reflects mounting frustration over the handling of ex-insurgents amid persistent attacks on military personnel, which many fear are eroding troop morale and public confidence in the state’s ability to maintain security.
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