The Senate has called for an end to state pardons and rehabilitation programmes for criminals, particularly suspected Boko Haram members, bandits and kidnappers.
The resolution was adopted during Tuesday's plenary following 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. The session was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Lawmakers criticised the rehabilitation of insurgents and other criminals under deradicalisation programmes operated by some state governments. Several senators argued that the continued release of "repentant" fighters into society has contributed to the prolonged insurgency, especially in northern Nigeria.
The Senate also expressed concern over what it described as a worsening security situation, warning that the targeting of retired military officers reflects a shift in the country's security challenges.
In its resolution, the upper chamber said the killing of Major General Abubakar was not only a personal tragedy but a reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism and violent crime.
The lawmakers pointed to a series of attacks on serving and retired military personnel between January 2023 and May 2026. These include the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru in Owerri after a reported $50,000 ransom payment, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere in Abuja, the 56-day captivity of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death of retired Major Aja while in captivity in Kogi State.
According to the Senate, the increasing number of attacks on military personnel represents a growing national security concern because many of the victims previously held sensitive intelligence, operational and command positions.
The chamber said the security crisis now extends beyond individual victims and threatens national unity, democratic stability and public confidence in government.
The Senate reaffirmed that protecting lives and property remains a constitutional responsibility of government and is essential for national stability and economic growth.
While commending the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies for their efforts, lawmakers called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency cooperation, wider deployment of technology and greater community engagement to tackle insecurity.
The Senate also noted that kidnappings and killings have left victims and their families with lasting emotional, psychological and economic hardship, while undermining public confidence in the country's security architecture.
