In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through Nigeria's security establishment, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Idris Wase has disclosed that Boko Haram members and other criminals were once discovered on official recruitment lists for the country's armed forces and police.
Disturbing Discovery During Recruitment Exercises
Speaking during a special plenary session convened to address Nigeria's worsening security crisis, Wase revealed that past recruitment exercises uncovered deeply concerning findings. The former deputy speaker stated that Boko Haram members were identified on army recruitment lists, alongside armed robbers and other criminals who had been shortlisted for security roles.
Wase specifically mentioned that Muktar Betara, former chairman of the house committee on defence, could confirm these alarming discoveries. "My brother, former chairman of defence, and my very good friend Betara will bear me witness that we have moments in time when, in the process of recruitment, Boko Haram were found on the army list," Wase stated during the session held on November 27, 2025.
Call for Political Responsibility in Security Recruitment
The former deputy speaker issued a strong appeal to fellow politicians to exercise greater responsibility when recommending candidates for security positions. He emphasized the critical need for thorough vetting processes to ensure that only individuals of proven character and integrity join Nigeria's security forces.
"There has to be a thorough way of ensuring that, when we are recruiting, those of us who are politicians should recommend people of good character and integrity; that's the only way we can solve this problem," Wase urged. He further explained that the presence of criminals within security systems fundamentally undermines efforts to address the nation's security challenges.
Comprehensive Security System Overhaul Needed
Wase advocated for a complete overhaul of the recruitment system, stressing that current methods have proven vulnerable to infiltration by undesirable elements. While acknowledging that political recommendations are part of the system, he insisted that such recommendations must prioritize national security over other considerations.
"You find a criminal in the system, and before you know it, whatever you do, you cannot have the problem resolved, so we must change the system and the manner of our recruitment," he emphasized. The former deputy speaker underscored that recommending individuals of integrity who meet established standards is essential for protecting the nation's security architecture.
Wase also highlighted the severity of Nigeria's security situation, revealing that even his younger brother had recently pleaded for assistance to relocate from their community due to safety concerns. Additionally, he called for a review of the presidential directive withdrawing police officers from VIP protection duties, arguing for clearer categorization to prevent exposing key officials to unnecessary danger.
