Lawmakers seek terrorism trials, tougher security measures as attacks on military personnel intensify nationwide.
Abuja: The Senate has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram members, insisting that terrorists and bandits should instead be prosecuted and made to face the full weight of the law.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance on the escalating attacks, abductions and killings of serving and retired military personnel, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, during Tuesday’s plenary.
Lawmakers unanimously condemned the worsening security situation across the country, describing it as a national emergency marked by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and recurring attacks on communities.
The debate drew bipartisan support, with senators warning that insecurity, once largely confined to the North-East, had spread to virtually every region of the country.
The Senate’s resolution came as the Nigerian Army announced that two senior terrorist commanders had surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State. The Army said the suspects were providing intelligence expected to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Senate Honours Fallen Military Officers
The upper chamber observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Major-General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and all victims of terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria.
It also resolved to send a delegation to condole with the late general’s family, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.
Presenting the motion, Yar’Adua described the killing of the retired general as “a painful national loss” that underscored the urgent need for decisive action against insecurity.
He warned that retired military officers had increasingly become targets because of their previous operational and intelligence roles, adding that attacks on security personnel undermine troop morale and embolden criminal groups.
The senator highlighted several attacks on retired senior military officers since 2023, including kidnappings and killings in Zamfara, Imo, the Federal Capital Territory, Katsina, Kogi and Plateau states.
According to him, the pattern raises serious concerns about the state’s ability to protect even those who once defended the nation.
Lawmakers Reject Rehabilitation Policy
The Senate’s strongest intervention centred on the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and reintegration programme for repentant Boko Haram members.
The programme, a key component of the government’s non-kinetic counter-insurgency strategy, has long sought to rehabilitate and reintegrate former insurgents after screening and counselling.
However, senators argued that the policy now sends the wrong signal to Nigerians and risks portraying terrorism as a crime without consequences.
Senator Joseph Ikpea urged the Federal Government to discontinue the programme, saying it had become a source of widespread public concern.
“Mr President, insecurity has become one of the greatest concerns of Nigerians. One issue we must urgently address is the rehabilitation of Boko Haram members. My additional prayer is that this programme should be stopped,” he said.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole backed the proposal, arguing that granting rehabilitation to former insurgents while victims continue to suffer defies both justice and common sense.
“It does not even make sense to pardon, rehabilitate and reintegrate criminals into society,” Oshiomhole said.
He urged the government to prioritise justice for victims, ensure accountability for perpetrators and provide stronger support for security personnel putting their lives at risk to defend the country.
