The Senate has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to immediately discontinue the rehabilitation programme for repentant terrorists, insisting that individuals found guilty of terrorism and other violent crimes should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The resolution was adopted during plenary as part of additional prayers considered alongside a motion on the escalating attacks, abductions and killings of serving and retired military personnel across the country.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, highlighted the growing wave of insecurity and the increasing targeting of military personnel by terrorists and criminal gangs.
The lawmakers argued that the current security challenges demand tougher measures to deter terrorism, stressing that the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists sends the wrong signal at a time when communities across the country continue to suffer attacks.
They maintained that persons convicted of terrorism and other organised crimes should face immediate prosecution, noting that justice must be seen to be served to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The Senate also resolved to seek an emergency audience with President Tinubu to formally present its concerns over the worsening security situation and communicate the growing anxiety of Nigerians over persistent terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks nationwide.
The debate was prompted by the recent abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who was kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State and later died in captivity.
Presenting the motion, Senator Yar’Adua recalled a series of attacks on serving and retired military officers, including the abduction of retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto, the killing of retired Major General Richard Chukwudi Duru, the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, the abduction of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, the death of retired Major Joe Ajayi in captivity, and the abduction and rescue of retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku.
He warned that the sustained attacks on military personnel represent a dangerous threat to national security and the authority of the Nigerian state.
During the debate, senators commended the Nigeria military, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for their courage and sacrifices in combating terrorism despite operational challenges.
However, they expressed concern over the continued attacks on communities and security personnel, calling for a thorough investigation into the utilisation of funds appropriated for military equipment procurement, security operations and personnel welfare.
The lawmakers further urged security and intelligence agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment and early warning mechanisms, while strengthening collaboration with local communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
They also advocated the accelerated deployment of modern security technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, geospatial intelligence capabilities, integrated command and control platforms and advanced communication systems to improve the country’s response to terrorism and other violent crimes.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Major General Abubakar and all victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
It also resolved to constitute a delegation to visit the family of the late senior military officer, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army to convey the condolences of the upper legislative chamber.
