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Oscar Okhifo

The House of Representatives has vehemently condemned any policy of government at all levels, aimed at rehabilitating terrorists while victims of their attacks remain neglected, warning that such measures send the wrong message to Nigerian youths and could worsen the nation’s insecurity.

During plenary on Thursday, lawmakers insisted that government efforts must prioritise justice for victims rather than showing sympathy to those who committed heinous crimes. They also challenged security agencies to identify and eliminate informants and collaborators aiding terrorist groups.

Hon. Bitrus Laore (PDP, Adamawa) warned that rehabilitating terrorists without addressing the suffering of victims sends the wrong message to Nigerian youths.

“We are on the brink of history. On what page will history put us? Victims are seeing criminals rehabilitated while they are forgotten.

“The message being passed is that crime pays and young people should join crime,” he said.

Laore stressed that the failure to support victims would only worsen insecurity, urging the federal government to strengthen its victim support system.

“As long as terrorists are rehabilitated and victims are ignored, crime will never end. We must not pretend this is normal,” he added.

Also contributing, Hon. Dabo Haruna (APC, Bauchi) called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, including the strengthening of community policing, border control and arms regulation.

He emphasized the need for justice sector reforms, the adoption of technology-driven security strategies and stronger support for communities affected by terrorism and banditry.

Haruna also addressed international concerns on alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria, revealing that a Nigerian parliamentary delegation which met with U.S. Congressman Chris Smith said the allegations presented to the U.S. Congress did not reflect the true security situation in the country.

He disclosed that Nigerian officials were initially not allowed to present their case during the first U.S. hearing, but both countries later reached an agreement to correct the situation.

“The U.S. Congress has agreed to hold another public hearing where Nigerian officials and relevant stakeholders will present their testimonies before a final report is issued,” he stated.

However, Haruna lamented that the National Assembly had not yet fulfilled Nigeria’s own part of the agreement by organising an independent public hearing on the matter.

“This delay has worsened international misinterpretations and even led to public statements suggesting possible foreign military intervention,” he noted.

He recommended the establishment of a parliamentary committee to conduct a comprehensive public hearing on alleged religious killings and broader security issues, adding that findings should be formally transmitted to the U.S. Congress.

Meanwhile, Hon. Billy Osawaru decried the worsening situation in the North-East, citing relentless attacks by ISWAP and bandit groups, including ambushes on military convoys.

He recounted recent kidnapping incidents across the country:

“Over 300 student teachers were taken from Catholic schools in Niger State, Twenty-five female students were captured in Kebbi. Within two weeks, a lot has happened,” he said.

Osawaru urged the federal government to legalise state policing and asked the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military to intensify intelligence operations in remote areas.

He also stressed the need to fast-track the 2025–2030 national counter-terrorism strategy to strengthen coordination between security agencies, improve community engagement and enhance intelligence sharing.

Calling for deep reforms, he advocated the creation of a National Security Reform Bill to clarify the responsibilities of security agencies, establish a National Intelligence Fusion Centre and deploy real-time technology for intelligence operations.

Another lawmaker, Hon. Alex Mascot, raised concerns over reports that repentant terrorists were allegedly being conscripted into the Nigerian military.

Ruling after the debate, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu said deliberations would continue next Tuesday, after which the House would adopt resolutions on national security.

He also disclosed that the House would begin voting on Constitution Review Bills next week.