During a special plenary session of the House of Representatives convened to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, Ahmed Idris Wase, who represents Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, disclosed that names of Boko Haram suspects and armed robbers had previously appeared on official recruitment lists for the Nigerian Army and Police.
Wase, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leader of the North-Central Caucus in the House, stressed that the infiltration of security institutions by criminally minded individuals undermines Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and banditry. He noted that his claim could be corroborated by Hon. Muktar Betara, former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence and current Chairman of the Committee on the Federal Capital Territory.
“There were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist. Armed robbers and other criminals were also found,” Wase stated, warning that the development reflects deep flaws in Nigeria’s recruitment processes.
The revelation has sparked concern among lawmakers and the public, raising questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s security vetting systems. Analysts argue that such lapses could explain how extremist groups have managed to sustain operations despite years of military campaigns against them.
Wase urged the government to overhaul recruitment procedures, strengthen background checks, and ensure that only qualified and vetted individuals are admitted into the armed forces and police. He emphasized that without reform, Nigeria risks further weakening its security architecture.
Implications
For Security Agencies: The claim highlights urgent need for stricter vetting and intelligence-led recruitment processes.
For Governance: Lawmakers may push for legislative oversight of recruitment to prevent infiltration.
For Citizens: Public trust in security institutions could be eroded if such allegations are not addressed transparently.
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