B’Haram members found on army, police recruitment lists – Wase

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has revealed that suspected Boko Haram members and other criminals were once discovered on recruitment lists for the Nigerian Army and police.

Speaking at a special House session on national security, Wase said the incident occurred during previous recruitment exercises, stressing that the infiltration of security institutions poses a serious danger to national stability.

He noted that the former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, now heading the FCT Committee, Muktar Betara, could confirm the discovery.

Wase added that armed robbers were also found among candidates shortlisted for security jobs. He warned political leaders to stop endorsing unfit individuals for military and police recruitment and insisted that only credible candidates should be recommended.

Personalising the issue, he disclosed that he had lost three family members — a brother, cousin and nephew — to terrorist attacks. According to him, the North Central carries nearly 52% of the nation’s insecurity burden.

Contributions from lawmakers across geopolitical zones highlighted the complexity of insecurity in the North-West and North-East, with calls for a mix of military action, governance reform, economic development and stronger community engagement.

Some lawmakers criticised past administrations for lacking the political will to tackle terrorism head-on, arguing that negotiating with criminals has only worsened the crisis.