Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has raised serious concerns over the infiltration of Nigeria’s security institutions by criminal elements, revealing that suspected Boko Haram members and armed robbers were once included in recruitment lists for the Army and Police.
Wase made the disclosure on Wednesday, November 26, during a special House plenary session on the state of national security.
Representing Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State under the All Progressives Congress, he warned that such breaches pose a significant threat to the country’s safety.
“My brother and friend, the former Defence Committee Chairman, Hon Betara, can attest to this.
“There were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist.
“Armed robbers and other criminals were also found among those cleared for the Army and Police,” Wase said, referring to Hon Muktar Betara, now Chairman of the Committee on the Federal Capital Territory.
Wase cautioned against careless endorsements during recruitment, insisting that only credible, trustworthy individuals should be recommended.
Speaking from personal experience, he revealed that he has lost a brother, a cousin, and a nephew to terrorist attacks, highlighting that the North Central region alone carries around 52 per cent of the nation’s insecurity burden.
He recounted a plea from a younger brother asking to be relocated from their violence-stricken community and called for a review of the presidential directive withdrawing police officers from VIP protection duties.
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While recognising the policy’s intent, Wase stressed the need for clearly defined categories to avoid exposing officials to unnecessary risks.
Other lawmakers shared their perspectives on the country’s security crisis.
Sada Soli, speaking for the North West Caucus, described insecurity as “complex and layered,” driven by criminality, environmental pressures, weak governance, and worsening economic conditions.
He urged a combined approach of security operations and governance reforms to restore lasting peace.
Muktar Betara said the North East remains the “ground zero of terrorism, insurgency, and recurring communal violence,” recalling tragedies from the 2015 Baga massacre to recent bomb attacks.
Hon Solomon Bob from Rivers State criticised successive administrations for lacking the political will to tackle terrorism, while House Committee on Women Affairs Chair Kafilat Ogbara highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on women and children, citing recent mass abductions in Papiri and Kamba.
“These are not just security failures; they represent a breach of the state’s core obligation to safeguard lives and property,” Ogbara said.
The session painted a grim picture of the nation’s security landscape, underscoring the urgent need for reform, vigilance, and accountability within the country’s security apparatus.