Senate Seeks End to Pardons for Insurgents

The Nigerian Senate has approved a resolution calling for an end to state pardons and the rehabilitation of suspected Boko Haram members and other criminals, citing growing concerns over the country’s worsening security situation.

The Boko Haram rehabilitation debate followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua on the abduction and killing of former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, and other military officers. During Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, lawmakers condemned deradicalisation programmes that return suspected insurgents, bandits and kidnappers to society.

Several senators argued that the continued release of so-called repentant criminals has contributed to the persistence of insurgency, particularly in northern Nigeria. They also warned that the targeting of retired and serving military personnel reflects an alarming shift in the country’s security challenges.

“The death of retired Major General Abubakar and others in the custody of terrorists represents not only personal tragedies but also a painful national loss and a stark reminder of the scale and persistence of insecurity confronting the nation,” the Senate stated.

The lawmakers highlighted several recent cases, including the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere, the 56-day captivity of former NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death in captivity of retired Major Aja.

The Boko Haram rehabilitation discussion also focused on the wider impact of insecurity on national stability. Senators stressed that protecting lives and property remains a constitutional responsibility essential to democratic governance, economic development and public confidence.

While commending the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies for their efforts, the Senate called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency cooperation, greater use of technology and enhanced community engagement.

The Boko Haram rehabilitation resolution reflects lawmakers’ concerns over rising kidnappings, killings and prolonged captivity, which they said continue to inflict emotional, psychological and economic hardship on victims, their families and the nation.

Do you think ending rehabilitation programmes would strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insurgency?