The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to immediately stop the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram members and other violent criminals, insisting that all terror suspects found guilty should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to TheCable on Tuesday, the resolution was adopted during Tuesday’s plenary while lawmakers debated the worsening security situation across the country. The decision followed the recent abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who reportedly died in the custody of his abductors after being kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State.
The motion was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), who described Nigeria’s security situation as a “national emergency.”
According to him, the country continues to face growing threats from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks on communities, despite ongoing security operations.
“The death of the retired Major General and others in the custody of terrorists represents not only personal tragedies but also a painful national loss,” Yar’Adua told lawmakers.
An additional resolution calling for an end to the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists was proposed by Senator Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central) and adopted through a voice vote.
Supporting the proposal, former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, argued that granting rehabilitation to terrorists was unacceptable.
“It does not make even common sense to grant pardon and rehabilitate criminals,” Oshiomhole said during the debate.
Yar’Adua also highlighted a series of attacks targeting serving and retired military officers in recent years. These include the abduction of retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto in Zamfara in January 2023, the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru in Imo in September 2023, the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Udokwere in Abuja in June 2024, the abduction of former NYSC Director-General Maharazu Tsiga in Katsina in February 2025, the death of retired Major Joe Ajayi in Kogi in May 2025, and the kidnapping and rescue of retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku in Plateau State in January 2026.
Several senators expressed concern over the country’s security challenges during the debate. Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro said insecurity had reached a point where even public officials no longer feel safe travelling on Nigerian roads.
Senator Abdul Ningi questioned why armed non-state groups appear to have taken control of parts of the country, while Senator Osita Izunaso called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for acts of terrorism and violent crimes.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, however, defended the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that terrorism and banditry remain regional challenges affecting several West African countries.
Beyond calling for an end to the rehabilitation programme, the Senate urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve surveillance and early warning systems, and deepen collaboration with local communities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
Lawmakers also recommended the faster deployment of modern security technologies, including drones, geospatial intelligence, and integrated command systems, to improve the country’s response to security threats.
The Senate further resolved to send a delegation to condole with the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, the Katsina State Government, and the Nigerian Army.
The resolutions reflect growing concern among lawmakers over the country’s persistent insecurity and renewed calls for a tougher approach against terrorism and violent crimes…See More
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