Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has raised alarm over the infiltration of Nigeria’s security institutions by suspected Boko Haram members and other criminal elements. The revelation came during a special plenary session on the state of security in the country on Wednesday.
Wase, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, said that during past recruitment exercises, names of known terrorists, armed robbers, and other criminals were found on the lists of those cleared for the Nigerian Army and Police.
He stated, “My brother and friend, the former Defence Committee Chairman, Hon Muktar Betara, can attest to this. There were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist.” Wase urged caution in endorsing candidates for military and police positions, stressing that only credible and trustworthy individuals should be recommended.
The lawmaker, who has personally lost a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist attacks, also revealed that the North Central region bears roughly 52 percent of Nigeria’s overall insecurity burden. He recounted how one of his younger brothers pleaded to be relocated from their violence-stricken community.
On security policies, Wase called for a review of the presidential directive withdrawing police officers from VIP protection duties. While he acknowledged the intent behind the policy, he argued that clear guidelines are needed to prevent key officials from being exposed to unnecessary danger.
Speaking for the North West Caucus, Sada Soli described the region’s insecurity as “complex and layered,” driven by criminality, environmental pressures, weak governance, and economic challenges. He emphasized that lasting peace requires not only security operations but also reforms in governance, environmental management, and economic development.
For the North East Caucus, Muktar Betara highlighted the region as the epicenter of terrorism, insurgency, and recurring communal violence, recalling incidents from the 2015 Baga massacre to recent bomb blasts that claimed both civilian and security personnel lives.
Meanwhile, South South lawmaker Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers) blamed successive administrations for a lack of political will in tackling insecurity, stating that negotiating with terrorists has often replaced enforcement of the law.
Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, drew attention to the impact of insecurity on women and children, citing mass abductions in Papiri and Kamba, describing them as “a breach of the state’s core obligation to safeguard lives and property.”
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