Nigeria’s security debate took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, alleged that names of Boko Haram members were once discovered on the Nigerian Army recruitment list. The revelation, which shocked many lawmakers, has sparked renewed concerns over deep-rooted infiltration compromising the nation’s security architecture.
Wase made the disclosure during a special plenary session convened by the House to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. He noted that former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Muktar Betara, could confirm the disturbing finding.
“We Found Boko Haram Members in Army Recruitment List” — Wase
In his strongly worded address, Wase recounted how the alleged criminal infiltration was uncovered during a recruitment exercise.
“We found names of criminals in the list. Boko Haram members were found in the list of the Army,” he said.
He blamed the chaotic recruitment system and warned that politicians must stop recommending individuals with questionable backgrounds into sensitive security institutions.
Security Collapse Linked to Criminals Inside the System
According to Wase, the presence of terrorists and individuals with criminal history inside military structures explains why Nigeria continues to struggle against insurgency despite years of military offensives.
“You find a criminal in the system, and whatever you do, you cannot have the problem resolved. We must change the entire recruitment system,” he added.
The former deputy speaker, who emotionally revealed that he lost a brother and cousin to terrorists, said insecurity has now reached a point where even his surviving younger brother begged to be transferred out of their community for safety.
Kidnapping, Ransom Payments, and Leadership Failure
Wase further highlighted the systemic breakdown of national security, noting that kidnapping has become normalised. He referenced reports indicating:
Over N5 billion paid as ransom in a single year
More than 30,000 deaths recorded historically in Boko Haram-related attacks
He warned that some individuals benefit from the chaos, enabling criminal groups to move freely “in convoys with impunity.”
Call for Credible Recruitment and Constitutional Reforms
Wase cautioned politicians to stop prioritizing personal interests above national security.
“When you recommend, recommend people of integrity who will safeguard the country,” he urged.
He also stressed the need for constitutional reforms to address indigeneship vs. citizenship conflicts, which he believes fuel division and weaken national security responses.
The former deputy speaker concluded by calling for a unified, systematic overhaul of Nigeria’s security institutions—starting with strict, credible recruitment standards.
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