Senate Urges FG to End Ex-Insurgents' Reintegration, Prosecute Terror Suspects

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to end the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram members, insisting that suspected terrorists should be arrested and prosecuted under the law instead of being reintegrated into society.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua, over the increasing attacks, abductions and killings of serving and retired military personnel across the country.

Lawmakers expressed concern over Nigeria's worsening security situation, citing continued terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks that have claimed lives, displaced communities and disrupted economic activities.

The Senate urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for terrorist attacks and other violent crimes are arrested and brought to justice. It also observed a minute of silence in honour of late Major General Rabe Abubakar and other victims of insecurity.

In addition, the Senate resolved to send a delegation to condole with the family of the late military officer, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.

Lawmakers commended the Armed Forces and security agencies for their efforts but called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhanced surveillance, early warning systems and wider deployment of modern security technology.

They also urged closer cooperation between security agencies, local communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders to strengthen community-based intelligence.

Supporting the motion, Senator Joseph Ikpea said the reintegration programme for former Boko Haram members had become a source of public concern, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole stressed the need to prioritise justice for victims, hold offenders accountable and provide greater support for security personnel and their families.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, acknowledged the security challenges but noted that terrorism remains a global threat requiring sustained national and regional cooperation. He also praised the commitment of Nigeria's security personnel and called for continued public support for the nation's security agencies.

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