Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has raised a serious concern about the infiltration of Nigeria’s security agencies by criminal elements, including suspected Boko Haram members.
Speaking during a special plenary on national security on Wednesday, Wase revealed that at different times, recruitment lists for both the Nigerian Army and police contained names of individuals known to be linked to terrorism and other criminal activities.
He explained that his claim could be confirmed 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 were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist. Armed robbers and other criminals were also found among those cleared for the Army and police.”
He warned that such infiltration poses a major threat to national security, urging leaders to avoid endorsing unvetted candidates for security service recruitment. Only credible and trustworthy individuals, he stressed, should be recommended.
Wase also shared that he has personally lost a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist attacks, noting that the North Central region carries about 52% of the country’s insecurity burden. He recalled a heartbreaking plea from his younger brother, who begged to be moved from their unsafe community.
He further called for a review of the presidential directive withdrawing police officers from VIP protection duties. While acknowledging the policy’s intent, he emphasized the need to categorise and define who truly requires such protection.
Other lawmakers also contributed to the debate.
North-West Perspective:
Sada Soli described insecurity in the region as “complex and layered,” driven by criminality, environmental stress, weak governance, and worsening economic conditions. He argued that military action alone would not solve the problem; reforms in governance, land and livestock management, and economic development are essential.
North-East Perspective:
Muktar Betara noted that the region remains the “epicenter of terrorism and insurgency,” recalling tragedies such as the Baga massacre and numerous bomb attacks. He stressed that coordinated and strategic action is needed to restore stability.
South-South Perspective:
Senator Solomon Bob criticized successive governments for lacking the political will to confront insecurity head-on. He condemned what he described as decades of leadership failure, including negotiating with terrorists instead of enforcing the law.
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Women and Children Affected:
Kafilat Ogbara, Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs, highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on women and children, citing recent mass abductions in Papiri and Kamba. She described these incidents as a failure of the state’s primary duty to protect its citizens.
The session underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and stronger political resolve to curb the rising wave of insecurity across the country.
