The Senate has approved a motion calling for an end to state pardons and rehabilitation programmes for convicted criminals, especially suspected Boko Haram members and other insurgents.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua over the abduction and killing of former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, along with other retired military officers.
During Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, lawmakers strongly condemned the rehabilitation of Boko Haram fighters, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements through deradicalisation and reintegration programmes implemented by some state governments.
Several senators argued that the continued release of individuals described as “repentant” insurgents has contributed to the persistent insecurity affecting parts of the country, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The Senate expressed serious concern over the worsening security situation, warning that the kidnapping and killing of retired military officers reflects a troubling new phase in the country’s security challenges.
Adopting the motion, lawmakers described the death of Major General Abubakar as a painful national tragedy, saying it underscores the enduring threat posed by terrorism and violent criminal groups.
The Senate also pointed to what it described as an alarming pattern of attacks on both serving and retired military personnel. It referenced several incidents recorded between January 2023 and May 2026, including the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru in Owerri after a reported $50,000 ransom payment, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere in Abuja, the 56-day captivity of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death of retired Major Aja while in captivity in Kogi State.
Lawmakers warned that the increasing targeting of current and former military officers poses a significant threat to national security, particularly because many of the victims previously held sensitive intelligence, operational, and command responsibilities.
The Senate stressed that the growing insecurity goes beyond individual victims and has wider implications for national unity, democratic stability, economic development, and public confidence in government.
While commending the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies for their continued commitment, lawmakers urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve cooperation among security agencies, expand the use of technology, and deepen community engagement to prevent further attacks.
The Senate also noted that the surge in kidnappings and killings has led to loss of lives, prolonged captivity, heavy ransom payments, emotional suffering, economic hardship, and lasting psychological trauma for victims, their families, and the nation.
