The Digest:
Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase has exposed a critical vulnerability in Nigeria’s security architecture, revealing that Boko Haram members and other criminals were once discovered among shortlisted candidates during military and police recruitment exercises. The disclosure, made during a special plenary on national security, points to systemic flaws in the vetting process that may have compromised the integrity of the nation’s security forces.
Key Points:
- Idris Wase stated that Boko Haram members were found on army recruitment lists in the past.
- He claimed armed robbers and other criminals were also identified in police and army shortlists.
- The former lawmaker cited ex-Defence Committee Chairman Muktar Betara as a witness to the claims.
- He urged politicians to recommend only people of "good character and integrity" for recruitment.
- Wase called for a review of the presidential order withdrawing police from VIP protection duties.
- He revealed that his own younger brother pleaded for relocation due to insecurity in their community.
- The special plenary was convened to assess Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
Sources: The Cable
