The Senate on Tuesday took a firm position on Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, calling on the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former Boko Haram members and focus instead on arresting, prosecuting and punishing terrorists and other violent criminals.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who raised concerns over the growing wave of attacks, kidnappings and killings targeting both serving and retired military personnel across the country.
Lawmakers argued that the continued reintegration of former insurgents has become increasingly controversial at a time when communities across Nigeria are still grappling with terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate also directed its security-related committees to intensify oversight of security agencies and ensure that security chiefs are held accountable for efforts to curb the escalating violence.
The upper chamber further resolved that a delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio should meet President Bola Tinubu to discuss the deteriorating security situation and possible measures to strengthen the country’s response.
Senate recounts attacks on military officers
Leading the debate, Senator Yar’Adua described the increasing attacks on current and former military personnel as a disturbing development that threatens national security and undermines confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
He recalled a series of high-profile incidents involving retired military officers who were kidnapped, killed or held for ransom by criminal groups.
Among the cases cited were the abduction of retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto and two of his children in Zamfara State in January 2023; the kidnapping and killing of retired Major General Richard Chukwudi Duru in Imo State later that year despite the payment of a ransom; and the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Udokwere at his Abuja residence in June 2024.
The senator also referenced the abduction of former NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd), who spent 56 days in captivity before regaining his freedom, as well as the kidnapping and subsequent death of retired Major Joe Ajayi in Kogi State.
Particular attention was drawn to the recent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State.
According to Yar’Adua, the pattern of attacks against former military officers suggests that criminal groups are increasingly targeting individuals with security, intelligence and operational backgrounds.
“The killing of retired military officers and other citizens in captivity is a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting our nation,” he told lawmakers.
Renewed debate over deradicalisation programme
The Senate’s position is likely to reignite debate over the Federal Government’s deradicalisation and reintegration initiatives, which have over the years sought to rehabilitate former insurgents who renounced violence.
Supporters of the programme have argued that rehabilitation can help reduce extremism and encourage defections from terrorist groups.
Critics, however, contend that many victims of terrorism continue to suffer while former insurgents are perceived to be receiving government support without sufficient accountability for their actions.
Tuesday’s resolution signals growing legislative unease over the programme amid persistent insecurity across several parts of the country.
