The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, claimed on Wednesday that names of Boko Haram members were once found on the army’s recruitment list, cautioning that such infiltration is jeopardizing the nation’s security framework.
During a special session of the House aimed at assessing the national security situation, Wase stated that Rep. Muktar Betara, the former chairman of the House Committee on Defence, can verify the occurrence.
He pointed out that the situation highlights significant flaws in Nigeria’s recruitment processes, which have permitted individuals with criminal histories to infiltrate critical security institutions.
Wase, who shared that he lost both a brother and a cousin to terrorist violence, indicated that this infiltration helps explain why criminal organizations continue to operate unchecked in various regions of the country.
He mentioned that the level of insecurity has become so severe that his surviving younger brother has pleaded with him to assist in securing a transfer from their community.
He stated: “My brother, the former chairman of defense, and my close friend, Betara, can attest that during recruitment, we discovered names of criminals on the list. Boko Haram members were included in the army’s recruitment list.
“There needs to be a comprehensive method to ensure that during recruitment, we politicians recommend individuals of good character and integrity. This is the only way to address the issue.
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“If a criminal is in the system, no matter what actions are taken, the problem will not be resolved. Therefore, we must reform our recruitment processes.
This is our purpose here. When making recommendations, please suggest individuals of integrity who meet the necessary standards and can provide the best service to our country.”
The former deputy speaker cautioned that Nigeria’s security crisis continues partly because some individuals profit from the disorder, allowing criminals to operate in groups and without fear of consequences.
Wase also expressed concern over the politicization of citizenship and indigeneship, identifying it as a major divisive issue in the country and advocating for constitutional reforms to tackle it.
He noted that kidnapping has become commonplace, with approximately N5 billion reportedly paid in ransom over the past year, while over 30,000 people have died in Boko Haram-related attacks over time.
Wase urged lawmakers to adopt a comprehensive approach to the crisis, emphasizing that the extent of insecurity facing the nation is more serious than many realize and demands immediate, coordinated action.
