Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, on Wednesday made a startling disclosure, revealing that Boko Haram members, armed robbers, and other criminals had previously been discovered among shortlisted candidates for recruitment into the Nigerian Army and Police.

Speaking during a special plenary session on the worsening security crisis, Wase said the infiltration of the country’s security institutions by individuals with known criminal ties poses a serious danger to national security.

According to him, the issue was not speculation but a verifiable incident that could be confirmed by the former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, now FCT Committee Chairman, Hon. Muktar Betara.

“There were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist. Armed robbers and other criminals were also found among those cleared for the Army and Police,” Wase said.

He warned public officials to desist from indiscriminate recommendations and political endorsements, noting that such actions enable unfit persons to slip into critical security roles.

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North Central ‘Carries 52% of Nigeria’s Insecurity Burden’

The Plateau lawmaker, who emotionally recalled losing a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist attacks, said the North Central region alone accounts for about 52% of Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.

He described a distressing message from his younger brother, who pleaded to be relocated from their community due to escalating violence.

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Tinubu’s Order on VIP Police Withdrawal Could Fuel Kidnappings — Wase

Wase urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his directive to withdraw police protection from Very Important Persons (VIPs), warning that the move could worsen the country’s kidnapping epidemic.

“If we’re not careful, this will lead to more kidnappings,” he said.

He referenced a video showing bandits boasting openly about plans to target the President and other politicians.

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‘Nigeria’s Police Numbers Are Woefully Inadequate’

Wase compared Nigeria’s police strength with that of other nations. He noted that Egypt, despite having a smaller population, reportedly has over 5 million police officers, while many Nigerian communities lack even a single police station within a 20–30 km radius.

“In some Nigerian communities, you can travel 20 to 30 kilometres without seeing a police station,” he lamented.

He said urgent recruitment and restructuring are required if the government genuinely intends to fix the security crisis.

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‘When You Give Criminals Police to Guard Them…’

The former Deputy Speaker argued that the VIP police withdrawal debate is being mischaracterised:

“It’s not about the VIPs. When you give criminals police to guard them, this is where the problem begins. That order needs to be reviewed.”

He warned that failing to reassess the directive would embolden violent groups.

“If we are not careful, there will be more kidnappings. I watched a video of a kidnapper boasting they will get the head of the President and go after politicians. These people are unrepentant.”