Nigerian Senate Demands End to Ex-Insurgent Reintegration, Calls for Terrorist Prosecution

Nigeria's Senate has called on the Federal Government to abandon its policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating former Boko Haram members. Instead, the upper legislative chamber insists that suspected terrorists should be arrested and prosecuted under the law. This resolution comes amid widespread condemnation of the country's deteriorating security landscape, which lawmakers described as increasingly complex, persistent, and alarming.

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The perpetrators of terrorist attacks and other violent crimes must be arrested and prosecuted.

The senators highlighted that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks continue to claim lives, destroy livelihoods, and disrupt economic activities across the nation. The resolutions were prompted by a motion concerning the escalating attacks, abductions, and killings of serving and retired military personnel, which is seen as a growing threat to national security and state authority.

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The country's security situation is a growing threat to national stability.

In addition to demanding an end to the reintegration program, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of Major General Rabe Abubakar and other victims of terrorism and violent crimes. They also resolved to send a delegation to console the late officer's family and the Katsina State Government. While commending the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices, the Senate urged for enhanced intelligence gathering, better inter-agency cooperation, improved surveillance, and the deployment of modern security technologies. Strengthening community-based intelligence through partnerships with local leaders was also emphasized.

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Government should prioritize justice for victims, accountability for offenders and adequate support for security personnel and their families.