The Senate on Tuesday took a hardline stance against terrorism, urging the Federal Government to immediately halt the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and other violent criminals, insisting that those found guilty of terrorism-related offences should be prosecuted without delay.
The position formed part of resolutions adopted by the upper legislative chamber during deliberations on the growing wave of attacks, abductions and killings targeting serving and retired military personnel across Nigeria.
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 the Nigerian Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua.
In its resolutions, the Senate argued that the worsening security situation in the country requires stronger deterrent measures rather than policies that could be perceived as rewarding criminality. Lawmakers maintained that convicted terrorists and members of organised criminal groups must face the full weight of the law to restore public confidence in the justice system.
The call to discontinue the rehabilitation programme followed a motion moved by Senator Joseph Ikpea and seconded by former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
The Senate also resolved to seek an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally present its concerns over the deteriorating security situation and convey the fears of Nigerians over the persistent threat of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks.
The debate was triggered 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 in captivity.
While presenting the motion, Senator Yar’Adua highlighted a disturbing pattern of attacks against both serving and retired military officers, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national security and undermines state authority.
He recalled several high-profile incidents, including the abduction of retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto and his children in Zamfara State, the kidnapping and killing of retired Major General Richard Chukwudi Duru in Imo State despite a ransom payment, and the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere during an attack on his Abuja residence.
Other cases cited included the abduction of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, the death of retired Major Joe Ajayi while in captivity, and the kidnapping of retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku in Plateau State before his eventual rescue by security forces.
Lawmakers described the killing of Major General Abubakar as the latest indication of a dangerous shift in Nigeria’s security crisis, noting that former military commanders have increasingly become targets of criminal groups.
During the debate, senators praised the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for their sacrifices in the fight against insecurity. However, they expressed concern that despite substantial budgetary allocations, many security agencies remain inadequately equipped.
The Senate therefore called for a comprehensive investigation into the utilisation of funds appropriated for military hardware, security operations and personnel welfare.
In a passionate contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi urged lawmakers to move beyond routine discussions and adopt more decisive measures to tackle the nation’s worsening insecurity, warning that Nigeria’s security architecture requires urgent strengthening.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Major General Abubakar and all victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
It also resolved to send a delegation to visit the family of the deceased officer, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army to convey its condolences.
Furthermore, lawmakers urged security and intelligence agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and threat assessment, strengthen collaboration with local communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders, and accelerate the deployment of advanced security technologies to combat terrorism and violent crimes nationwide.
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