In a shocking revelation on Wednesday, Hon. Ahmed Idris-Wase, the former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, said that people connected to Boko Haram and other criminal networks have previously been found on the official recruitment lists of the Nigerian Army and Police.
Wase, who leads the North Central Caucus and represents the Wase Federal Constituency of Plateau State, stated that the infiltration of security agencies by criminal elements poses a serious threat to national stability during a special plenary session devoted to reviewing the country’s worsening security challenges.
He said that Hon. Muktar Betara, a former chairman of the House Committee on Defense, could attest to his claim.
He claims that vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s hiring procedures have allowed dangerous people to enter institutions that are supposed to protect the country’s population.
“This may be verified by my brother and buddy, the former Chairman of Defense. During recruitment exercises, the names of Boko Haram members occasionally showed up on the list. Among those shortlisted for the Army and Police, armed robbers and criminal gangs were also found, Wase informed the House.
He underlined that only those of integrity and high character should be recommended for recruitment, urging lawmakers to exercise responsibility in this regard.
According to Wase, who said that he lost a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist assaults, 52% of the nation’s instability is caused by the North Central. He recounted his younger brother’s painful request to be moved away from their unstable neighborhood.
In addition, he urged a review of the presidential order removing police from VIP protection positions, pointing out that although the policy is praiseworthy, correct classification is necessary to prevent officials from being put in danger.
Speaking on behalf of the North West Caucus, Hon. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) stated that the area is experiencing a “complex, multi-layered” security problem that is fueled by environmental constraints, governance shortcomings, economic disruption, and criminal activity.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that combines security operations with social, economic, and environmental reforms because military solutions alone will not be adequate.
“Rebuilding trust in state institutions, reforming land and livestock management, and ensuring communities are active participants in finding solutions are necessary for long-term peace,” he stated.
The area is the “epicentre of terrorism, insurgency, and recurrent communal bloodshed,” according to Hon. Muktar Betara, who represents the North East Caucus.
He recounted disasters ranging from the Baga massacre in 2015 to recent IED assaults that killed scores of people, including civilians and military personnel.
“We can restore public trust and stop the spread of violence with coordinated action, political will, and strategic planning, but our security challenges are enormous,” Betara said.
Lawmakers from the South South were criticized by Hon. Solomon Bob for the inability of succeeding administrations to take meaningful action against insecurity.
Since 1999, we have seen leadership failures. Instead of upholding the law, governments have turned to appeasing terrorists and dealing with murderers, he warned, adding that misrepresenting terrorism as simple banditry will only make the situation worse.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, bemoaned the disproportionate harm that insecurity causes to women and children and called the recent mass kidnappings in Papiri and Kamba a national tragedy.
“These are not only security lapses, but also violations of the state’s most basic duty, which is to protect people and property,” she stated.
