Insecurity: Senate Rejects Rehabilitation of Repentant Terrorists, Demands Immediate Prosecution

Marking a sharp, historic shift in national security policy, the Nigerian Senate has formally called on the Federal Government to immediately dismantle its controversial rehabilitation program for "repentant" terrorists and violent criminals. The upper legislative chamber is demanding that any individual caught in acts of insurgency or organized crime face the maximum weight of the law through direct and aggressive prosecution.

The decisive resolution was adopted during a highly charged plenary session on Tuesday, following a motion prompted by an escalation in targeted assassinations, audacious cross-border abductions and calculated killings of both serving and retired military commanders across the Federation.

The motion, titled "Escalating Attacks, Abductions and Killings of Serving and Retired Military Personnel: A Growing Threat to National Security and State Authority in Nigeria," was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua.

Lawmakers argued that the country's worsening security situation requires stronger deterrent measures rather than rehabilitation programmes that could be perceived as encouraging impunity.

They maintained that persons convicted of terrorism and organised criminal offences should be prosecuted without delay, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in order to restore public confidence in Nigeria's criminal justice system.

The resolution followed an additional prayer moved by Senator Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

The Senate also resolved to seek an audience with President Bola Tinubu to formally present its concerns over the country's deteriorating security situation and convey the growing anxiety of Nigerians over persistent terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and other violent attacks.

The motion 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 while in captivity.

Leading the debate, Senator Yar'Adua warned that the increasing targeting of serving and retired military personnel represents a serious threat to national security and undermines the authority of the Nigerian state.

He recalled several high-profile attacks on senior military officers in recent years, beginning with the January 1, 2023 abduction of retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto and his two children along the Gusau-Tsafe Road in Zamfara State before they were eventually released following negotiations.

He also cited the September 27, 2023 kidnapping of retired Major General Richard Chukwudi Duru in Owerri, Imo State. According to the senator, the retired officer was later killed by his abductors despite his family paying a $50,000 ransom.

Yar'Adua further recalled the June 22, 2024 killing of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was shot dead after armed men invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in Lokogoma, Abuja.

The Senate also noted the February 5, 2025 abduction of former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, from his residence in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. He eventually regained his freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

Lawmakers equally referenced the May 21, 2025 kidnapping of retired Major Joe Ajayi from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kogi State. He later died in captivity despite efforts to secure his release.

They also highlighted the January 2026 abduction of retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku from his home in Plateau State before he was rescued by security forces during a special operation.

According to the Senate, the May 30, 2026 abduction and subsequent death of Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State marked the latest in a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting retired senior military officers.

The call for a meeting with President Tinubu was moved by Senator Osita Izunaso, while the prayer seeking the immediate prosecution of terrorists was moved by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.

During the debate, senators commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for their sacrifices in confronting criminal groups despite operational challenges.

However, they expressed concern over the continued wave of attacks across the country and called for a comprehensive investigation into the utilisation of funds appropriated for military equipment, security operations and personnel welfare.

In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi urged the Senate to move beyond routine debates and adopt more decisive measures to address the country's security crisis, arguing that several security agencies remain inadequately equipped despite substantial budgetary allocations.

The Senate observed a minute's silence in honour of the late Major General Abubakar and all victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria.

Lawmakers also resolved to constitute a delegation to visit the family of the deceased military officer, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army to convey the Senate's condolences.

In addition, the Senate urged security and intelligence agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment and early warning systems, strengthen collaboration with local communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders, and accelerate the deployment of modern security technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, geospatial intelligence, integrated command-and-control platforms and advanced communication systems, to enhance the fight against terrorism and violent crime nationwide.