The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former Boko Haram members, while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute terrorists and other criminal elements responsible for attacks across the country.

The resolution was adopted during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who raised concerns over the growing wave of attacks, abductions and killings involving serving and retired military personnel.

According to Channels Television, the Senate also directed its security-related committees to strengthen oversight of security agencies and ensure the nation’s security chiefs remain accountable for addressing the worsening security situation.

Lawmakers further resolved that a delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio should meet President Bola Tinubu to discuss the country’s escalating security challenges.

Presenting the motion, Senator Yar’Adua said the rising number of attacks on serving and retired military officers has resulted in deaths, prolonged captivity, ransom payments, emotional trauma and economic hardship for victims, their families and the nation.

He highlighted several high-profile cases, including the abduction of retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto and his two children in Zamfara State in January 2023, the kidnapping and killing of retired Major General Richard Chukwudi Duru in Imo State despite a $50,000 ransom payment, and the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Udokwere at his Abuja residence in June 2024.

The senator also referenced the abduction of former NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd), who spent 56 days in captivity before regaining his freedom in April 2025, alongside the abduction and death of retired Major Joe Ajayi in Kogi State and the rescue of retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku in Plateau State.

Yar’Adua further cited the kidnapping and death in captivity of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), who was abducted with his wife in Katsina State in May 2026.

He warned that the increasing targeting of current and former military personnel represents a dangerous shift in Nigeria’s security landscape because many of the victims previously held sensitive operational, intelligence and command positions.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to halt the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for terrorists, strengthen security oversight, and press for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for violent crimes.