Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has revealed that individuals linked to Boko Haram and other criminal groups were once discovered on official recruitment lists of both the Nigerian Army and the Police. Wase made this disclosure during a special plenary dedicated to examining the worsening security situation across the country.
The lawmaker, who represents Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State under the All Progressives Congress, described the situation as a serious national risk, stressing that allowing compromised individuals into security agencies undermines Nigeria’s safety architecture.
“My brother and friend, the former Defence Committee Chairman, Hon Betara, can attest to this. 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.”
Wase appealed to political leaders and influential figures to be more careful when endorsing candidates for military or police jobs, saying the practice of recommending unfit persons must stop. He also revealed that insecurity had personally affected him, noting that he had lost close family members to terrorist attacks.
According to him, the North Central bears almost 52 per cent of the overall security burden in the country, with communities constantly facing displacement, attacks, and deepening fear.
Speaking on behalf of the North West Caucus, Sada Soli described insecurity in the region as a “complex and layered” crisis driven by criminality, environmental pressures, weak governance structures, and worsening economic hardship. He argued that military force alone cannot resolve the challenges and called for a combined approach involving security operations, governance reforms, and economic restructuring.
“Lasting peace depends on rebuilding trust in government, reforming land and livestock systems, and ensuring that communities help shape solutions,” Soli said.
Muktar Betara, speaking for the North East Caucus, described the region as the “ground zero” of terrorism and communal violence, recalling tragic events such as the Baga massacre and various bomb attacks that have claimed countless lives.
For the South South Caucus, Hon. Solomon Bob accused past governments of failing to confront insecurity with the seriousness it demands, saying successive administrations have chosen negotiation with criminals over enforcement of the law.
In her contribution, House Committee on Women Affairs Chairperson Kafilat Ogbara lamented the devastating impact of insecurity on women and children, citing the recent abductions in Papiri and Kamba as further proof that the state is failing in its core duty of protecting lives and property.
