Boko Haram Members, Criminals Found on Army, Police Recruitment Lists – Wase

• Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase has raised alarm over alleged infiltration of Nigeria’s security recruitment processes, claiming that names of Boko Haram members and other criminals once appeared on Army and police shortlists.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, on Wednesday shocked lawmakers after revealing that suspected Boko Haram members and other criminal elements were previously discovered on Nigerian Army and police recruitment lists.

Wase made the revelation during a special plenary session focused on the worsening security situation across the country.

The APC lawmaker, who represents Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, warned that the infiltration of the nation’s security institutions by individuals with criminal backgrounds poses a serious and growing threat to national stability.

He noted that his claims could be verified by the former House Committee on Defence Chairman—now Chairman of the FCT Committee—Muktar Betara.

Quoting Wase:

“There were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist. Armed robbers and other criminals were also found among those cleared for the Army and police.”

The former deputy speaker cautioned against indiscriminate endorsements of applicants for security jobs, stressing that only credible and trustworthy candidates should be recommended.
He also revealed that he personally lost a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist attacks, adding that the North Central region carries about 52% of the country’s insecurity burden.

Wase recounted a disturbing plea from his younger brother, who begged to be relocated due to escalating violence in their community.

He also urged the federal government to review the presidential directive withdrawing police officers from VIP security duties. While acknowledging that the policy had merit, he warned that without clear categorisation, key officials could be exposed to danger.

Lawmakers from Other Regions Voice Deep Concerns

North-West:
Speaking for the region, Sada Soli described insecurity in the North-West as “complex and layered,” driven by criminal networks, climate pressures, governance failures, and worsening poverty.
He argued that military operations alone would not solve the crisis, calling for reforms in land use, livestock management, governance, and community engagement.

North-East:
Representing the North-East Caucus, Muktar Betara said the region remains the “ground zero of terrorism,” recalling tragedies from the 2015 Baga massacre to recurring bomb blasts.
He emphasised that coordinated action and strategic planning are urgently required to halt the spread of terror.

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South-South:
PDP lawmaker Solomon Bob accused successive governments of lacking the political will to tackle insecurity head-on.
He condemned negotiations with terrorists, saying such actions embolden criminal groups and trivialise terrorism by labelling it as mere “banditry.”

Women and Children Impact:
Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, lamented the devastating toll insecurity has taken on women and children, citing the recent mass abductions in Papiri and Kamba.
She described the situation as a breach of the state’s core obligation to protect lives and property.