Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, on Wednesday alleged that the names of Boko Haram members were once discovered on the Nigerian Army recruitment list, warning that such infiltration is undermining the country’s security architecture.
Speaking during a special plenary session of the House convened to review the national security situation, Wase said former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Muktar Betara, could confirm the incident.
He said the development reflects deep flaws in Nigeria’s recruitment processes, which have allowed individuals with criminal backgrounds to enter sensitive security institutions.
Wase, who revealed that he lost both a brother and a cousin to terrorists, said the infiltration of the system helps explain why criminal groups continue to operate freely in many parts of the country.
He added that insecurity has become so overwhelming that his surviving younger brother begged him to help secure a transfer out of their community.
He said: “My brother, former chairman of defence and my very good friend, Betara, will bear me witness that during the recruitment process, we found names of criminals on the list. Boko Haram members were found on the Army list.
“There must be a thorough system to ensure that when we are recruiting, we politicians recommend people of good character and integrity. That is the only way to solve this problem. If a criminal enters the system, no matter what you do, the problem will persist. We must change the recruitment system.
“Yes, as politicians, it is good to recommend. That is part of why we are here. But when you recommend, please choose people of integrity who meet the standards and will serve the country well.”
The former deputy speaker warned that Nigeria’s security crisis continues partly because some individuals benefit from the chaos, enabling criminals to move in convoys and operate with impunity.
Wase further lamented the politicisation of indigeneship and citizenship, describing it as one of the key issues dividing the country and calling for constitutional reforms to address it.
He noted that kidnapping has become routine, with about N5 billion reportedly paid as ransom in one year, while more than 30,000 people have been killed in Boko Haram-related attacks over time.
Wase urged lawmakers to adopt a holistic approach to the crisis, stressing that the scale of insecurity facing the country is more dangerous than many realise and requires urgent, coordinated action.
