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The Senate has called on the Federal Government to discontinue its rehabilitation programme for repentant Boko Haram members, arguing that terrorists should face justice rather than rehabilitation.
The resolution was reached during Tuesday’s plenary as lawmakers debated the worsening security situation across the country, following the recent abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State.
An additional prayer seeking an end to the rehabilitation programme was proposed by Senator Joseph Ikpea and adopted by the Senate through a voice vote.
Backing the motion, former Edo State governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole questioned the rationale behind rehabilitating criminals.
“It does not make even common sense to grant pardon and rehabilitate criminals,” Oshiomhole said.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, described Nigeria’s security crisis as a national emergency, citing the growing wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and attacks on both civilians and military personnel.
According to Yar’Adua, the killing of retired Major General Abubakar while in captivity highlights the increasing boldness of criminal groups and the urgent need for stronger action.
“The death of the retired Major General and others in the custody of terrorists represents not only personal tragedies but also a painful national loss,” he said.
Lawmakers also expressed concern over the increasing attacks on serving and retired security personnel, warning that such incidents could weaken the morale of the nation’s armed forces.
Several senators called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
Senator Osita Izunaso said security agencies must ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The perpetrators must be arrested and brought to book,” he said.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration with local communities and deploy modern security technologies, including drones, geospatial intelligence and advanced surveillance systems, to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
In addition, the Senate leadership was directed to send a delegation to condole with the family of the late Major General Abubakar, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.
