The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to immediately discontinue the policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating former Boko Haram members into society, insisting instead that suspected terrorists be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The upper chamber expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the country, describing it as increasingly complex, persistent, and alarming. In a series of resolutions, lawmakers highlighted how terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent attacks continue to claim lives, destroy livelihoods, and disrupt economic activities.
The resolutions stemmed 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 focused on the growing threat posed by attacks on military personnel.
As part of its decisions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure that perpetrators of terrorist attacks and other violent crimes are swiftly arrested and brought to justice. Lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and other Nigerians killed by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and related crimes.
The chamber further resolved to send a delegation of senators to visit the family of the late Major General Abubakar, the Katsina State Government, and the Nigerian Army to convey its condolences.
In a strong show of support for the nation’s defenders, the Senate commended the Armed Forces and other security and intelligence agencies for their sacrifices. It called for enhanced intelligence gathering, better inter-agency collaboration, improved surveillance and early warning systems, and greater deployment of modern security technologies. Senators also urged stronger partnerships between security agencies, local communities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to boost community-based intelligence.
The specific resolution against the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram members followed an additional prayer moved by Senator Joseph Ikpea (APC, Edo Central), who argued that the policy had become a source of growing public concern and discontent.
Supporting the proposal, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) emphasised that the government must prioritise justice for victims, accountability for offenders, and adequate support for security personnel and their families.
Sponsor of the motion, Senator Yar’Adua, painted a grim picture of the security challenges, noting that criminal groups have grown more sophisticated and are increasingly targeting both serving and retired military officers. He cited the recent abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, among other incidents.
“Attacks on military personnel undermine troop morale, weaken public confidence in the state’s ability to provide security, and embolden criminal groups,” Yar’Adua said.
Other senators echoed these concerns. Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) described the recurring attacks on military personnel as “disturbing and unacceptable,” while Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) called for stronger legislative oversight of security agencies, including regular reviews of operational responses, casualty records, and support systems for families of fallen officers.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised but cautioned for a balanced assessment of ongoing security operations. He noted that terrorism is a global challenge that requires sustained national and regional cooperation.
Jibrin commended the efforts of security personnel in confronting criminal elements and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the nation’s security agencies.
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