Senate Tells FG to Stop Rehabilitating Boko Haram Members, Demand Prosecution of Terrorists

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to abandon its policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram members, insisting that terrorists and bandits should be prosecuted rather than returned to society.

The resolution followed deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua over the rising attacks, kidnappings and killings of serving and retired military officers, as lawmakers expressed concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation.

Describing the insecurity as widespread and persistent, the Senate condemned the continued loss of lives resulting from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and attacks on communities across Nigeria.

The upper chamber also paid tribute to the late Major-General Rabe Abubakar and other victims of insecurity by observing a minute’s silence before resolving to send a delegation to sympathise with the deceased’s family, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.

Moving the motion, Senator Yar’Adua said the repeated attacks on retired military officers represent a serious national security concern.

“The killing of General Abubakar and other retired officers represents not only personal tragedy but also a painful national loss demanding urgent action,” he stated.

The proposal to halt the rehabilitation programme was introduced by Senator Joseph Ikpea, who argued that many Nigerians had lost confidence in the policy.

“Mr. President, my additional prayer is that the issue of insecurity has become something Nigerians are deeply concerned about… My additional prayer is to stop the rehabilitation of Boko Haram,” he said.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole backed the proposal, saying the policy sends the wrong message to victims of terrorism and their families.

“It does not make even common sense to grant pardon, rehabilitate and reintegrate criminals into society,” Oshiomhole said, urging authorities to focus instead on prosecuting offenders and supporting security personnel.

The Senate further recommended enhanced intelligence sharing, stronger surveillance, improved community policing partnerships and increased deployment of modern security technology to combat terrorism and banditry.

Lawmakers also called for stricter oversight of security institutions to evaluate operational effectiveness and ensure adequate welfare for the families of fallen personnel.

Responding to the debate, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin acknowledged the challenges facing the country but commended the efforts of the armed forces.

“Our men and women in uniform are doing their best. They have been successful in decimating many criminal elements and deserve our continued support,” he said.

Separately, the Nigerian Army disclosed that two senior terrorist commanders had surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State and are currently undergoing debriefing after providing intelligence expected to support ongoing military operations.

The surrender has intensified discussions over the government’s approach to repentant insurgents, particularly following the Senate’s position that terrorists should face prosecution instead of rehabilitation.

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