By Paul Aondoakaa 

The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to end the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram members, arguing that suspected terrorists should face prosecution in line with the law. The resolution came amid renewed concerns over worsening insecurity and increasing attacks on serving and retired military personnel across Nigeria.

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to discontinue its policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating former Boko Haram members into society, insisting that individuals suspected of terrorism should instead be arrested and prosecuted through the justice system.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, titled "Escalating Attacks, Abductions and Killings of Serving and Retired Military Personnel: A Growing Threat to National Security and State Authority in Nigeria."

During deliberations, lawmakers expressed concern over Nigeria's worsening security situation, citing terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks that continue to claim lives, displace communities and disrupt economic activities.

As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure perpetrators of terrorist attacks and other violent crimes are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The chamber also observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and other victims of terrorism and related violent crimes. It resolved to send a delegation to visit the family of the late officer, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.

Lawmakers commended the Armed Forces and security agencies for their continued sacrifices but called for stronger intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance, improved inter-agency collaboration, early warning systems and wider deployment of modern security technology.

The Senate further encouraged closer collaboration among security agencies, local communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders to strengthen community-based intelligence.

The call to discontinue the rehabilitation programme followed an amendment proposed by Senator Joseph Ikpea, who argued that the policy has generated growing public concern. Supporting the position, Senator Adams Oshiomhole said government should prioritise justice for victims, accountability for offenders and adequate welfare for security personnel and their families.

Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua warned that increasing attacks on serving and retired military personnel threaten troop morale, weaken public confidence and embolden criminal groups.

Other lawmakers, including Senator Osita Izunaso and Senator Abdul Ningi, advocated stronger oversight of security agencies, including periodic reviews of operational performance, casualty records and support for families of fallen personnel.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin acknowledged the concerns raised but stressed that terrorism remains a global challenge requiring sustained national and regional cooperation while commending security personnel for their ongoing efforts.