The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former Boko Haram members, insisting that terrorists should be arrested, prosecuted and punished rather than reintegrated into society.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua during Tuesday’s plenary, where lawmakers expressed concern over the growing attacks, kidnappings and killings of serving and retired military personnel across the country.
The Senate directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and prosecute terrorists and other violent criminals responsible for the worsening insecurity. It also tasked its defence and national security committees with strengthening oversight of security agencies to ensure greater accountability in addressing security challenges.
Lawmakers further resolved that a delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio should meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the country’s deteriorating security situation and possible solutions.
During the debate, Senator Yar’Adua cited the killings and abductions of several serving and retired military officers, arguing that the increasing attacks on security personnel reflect a dangerous shift in the operations of terrorist groups.
The Senate’s position is expected to revive public debate over Nigeria’s rehabilitation programme for repentant Boko Haram members, with many Nigerians continuing to question whether the policy promotes lasting peace or denies justice to victims of terrorism.
