The Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution calling for an end to state pardons and the rehabilitation of criminals, particularly suspected Boko Haram members, bandits, kidnappers, and other insurgents.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua on the abduction and killing of former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, and other military officers.
Lawmakers condemned the release of “repentant” insurgents through deradicalisation programmes, arguing that the practice has contributed to the persistent insecurity in parts of the country.
The Senate expressed concern over the growing attacks on serving and retired military personnel, describing the trend as a dangerous shift in Nigeria’s security challenges. It cited the killings of retired Major General Richard Duru and retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere, the prolonged captivity of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death of retired Major Aja while in captivity.
The lawmakers urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve inter-agency collaboration, deploy modern technology, and deepen community engagement to tackle insecurity, while commending the Armed Forces, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and other security agencies for their continued sacrifices.
