The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to discontinue the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and other violent criminals, insisting that individuals found culpable in terrorism and related criminal offences should face the full weight of the law through immediate prosecution.

The resolution formed part of additional prayers adopted by the upper legislative chamber during the consideration of a motion on the escalating attacks, abductions and killings of serving and retired military personnel across the country.

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 Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Nigerian Army.

Beyond its earlier resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately discontinue the rehabilitation programme for repentant terrorists, arguing that the prevailing security situation demands stronger deterrent measures rather than policies perceived to encourage impunity.

Lawmakers maintained that persons convicted of terrorism and other organised criminal acts should be prosecuted without delay in accordance with the law, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

The additional resolution was adopted following a prayer moved by Senator Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, and seconded by 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 anxieties of Nigerians regarding the persistent wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks across the country.

The motion was prompted by the recent abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, who was kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State and later died in captivity.

In presenting the motion, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua drew attention to a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks against serving and retired military personnel across the country, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to national security and undermines the authority of the Nigerian state.

He recalled that on January 1, 2023, retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto and his two children were abducted by bandits along the Gusau-Tsafe Road in Zamfara State before they were eventually released after negotiations.

The Senate was also reminded of the September 27, 2023 abduction of retired Major General Richard Chukwudi Duru in Owerri, Imo State, who was later killed by his abductors despite the payment of a $50,000 ransom by his family.

Lawmakers further noted the June 22, 2024 killing of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was murdered by armed intruders that invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in Lokogoma, Abuja.

They also cited the February 5, 2025 abduction of former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, from his residence in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. He regained his freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

The Senate equally referenced the abduction of retired Major Joe Ajayi from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kogi State, on May 21, 2025. He subsequently died while in captivity despite efforts to secure his release.

Also highlighted was the January 2026 abduction of retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku from his residence in Plateau State before he was rescued by security forces during a special operation.

The lawmakers described the May 30, 2026 abduction and subsequent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State as the latest in the disturbing chain of attacks, lamenting that the repeated targeting of former military commanders has become a dangerous evolution in Nigeria’s security crisis.

The prayer for the meeting with the President, alongside the call for the immediate prosecution of terrorists, was moved by Senator Osita Izunaso and Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro respectively.

During debate on the motion, senators commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for their courage and sacrifices in confronting criminal elements despite enormous operational challenges.

However, they expressed deep concern over the continued attacks on communities and security personnel, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the utilisation of funds appropriated for the procurement of military equipment, security operations and personnel welfare.

In an emotional contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi urged the Senate to move beyond routine debates and adopt more decisive interventions to address the nation’s worsening security crisis. He argued that many security agencies remain inadequately equipped despite huge budgetary allocations, warning that the country’s security architecture requires urgent strengthening.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the late military officer and all victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent criminality across Nigeria.

It also resolved to constitute a delegation of senators to visit the family of the late Major General Abubakar, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army to convey the condolences of the Senate.

Additionally, lawmakers urged security and intelligence agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment and early warning mechanisms, deepen collaboration with local communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders, and accelerate the deployment of modern security technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, geospatial intelligence capabilities, integrated command and control platforms and advanced communications systems to strengthen the nation’s fight against terrorism and other violent crimes. (The Sun)

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