Nigerian Senate Rejects Terrorist Amnesty, Demands Justice

The Nigerian Senate has taken a firm position against the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists, insisting that those responsible for acts of terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes should be prosecuted instead of being granted amnesty.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua during plenary on Tuesday, prompted by the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabiu Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, in Katsina State.
Lawmakers unanimously rejected government policies that rehabilitate former Boko Haram members and bandits, describing such programmes as rewarding criminality while victims and their families are denied justice.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that those responsible for killings, kidnappings and destruction of communities should face the full weight of the law rather than being reintegrated into society. His position received support from Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, who moved an additional prayer for the Senate to formally reject the rehabilitation programme.
Also contributing, Senator Osita Izunaso urged security agencies to move beyond issuing condolence messages and focus on arresting and prosecuting those behind the killing of General Abubakar and other attacks.
Following the debate, the Senate urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and early warning systems, deploy modern security technology, improve collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for acts of terrorism and banditry.
The Senate also approved a request by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for the leadership of the chamber to meet with President Bola Tinubu to present lawmakers’ concerns over the country’s security situation. A minute’s silence was observed in honour of General Abubakar and other victims of terrorism, while a Senate delegation was mandated to visit the bereaved family, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.
During the session, lawmakers expressed differing views on the performance of the military. While Minority Leader Abba Moro raised concerns over continued attacks despite security presence, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in tackling terrorism across the region.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Regional Development commenced an investigation into the financial activities of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) after concerns emerged that about ₦943 million of the ₦1.19 billion spent by the commission was used for board allowances.
The committee also questioned why the commission remains without executive directors despite being one of the earliest regional development commissions established, noting that the situation has slowed operations and weakened management.
Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, attributed part of the challenge to disagreements over the commission’s headquarters in Kano, adding that the state government has now provided office accommodation, vehicles and land.
However, lawmakers maintained that the expenditure on board allowances was inconsistent with the commission’s development mandate. They also queried delays in staff recruitment and implementation of capital projects.
Responding, the Board Chairman of the commission, Abdullahi Lawal, said the spending was approved in line with the NWDC Act, 2024, explaining that the board held seven meetings and approved major policies. He, however, acknowledged delays by management in implementing board resolutions and processing payments. The committee later adjourned into an executive session for further briefings.
The Senate also declined to intervene in the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the National Assembly neither established the agency nor appointed its leadership, stressing that the matter is within the Executive arm of government and is already before the court.
He stated that the Senate would only take action if a formal petition is submitted by any of the parties involved.
The proceedings reflected the Senate’s call for stronger accountability in tackling insecurity, greater oversight of public institutions and adherence to due process in matters relating to governance and national security.