Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has revealed that individuals suspected to be Boko Haram members and other criminals were once shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army and Police.

Wase made the disclosure on Wednesday during a special plenary session convened to address the escalating security crisis across the country.

The lawmaker, who represents Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, said the alarming discovery underscores the deep infiltration of Nigeria’s security architecture by criminally inclined persons.

He added that the claim could be corroborated by former House Defence Committee Chairman and current FCT Committee Chairman, Muktar Betara.

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

He warned against indiscriminate endorsements for military and police recruitment, stressing that only credible and trustworthy candidates should be recommended.

Recounting personal losses, Wase said he had lost a brother, cousin, and nephew to terrorist attacks, noting that the North Central region bears “about 52 per cent of Nigeria’s insecurity burden.”

He also narrated how one of his younger brothers pleaded to be relocated from their violence-ravaged community.

Wase further called for a review of the presidential directive withdrawing police personnel from VIP protection duties.

While he acknowledged the policy’s intent, he argued that its categories must be clearly defined to avoid exposing important officials to danger.

Speaking for the North West Caucus, Sada Soli described insecurity in the region as “complex and layered,” driven by a blend of criminality, environmental pressure, governance failure, and deepening poverty.

He urged a comprehensive solution combining kinetic action with governance reforms and economic development.

For the North East Caucus, Betara described the region as “ground zero of terrorism and insurgency,” recalling tragedies ranging from the 2015 Baga massacre to numerous bomb attacks that have claimed civilian and military lives.

He called for coordinated strategy and renewed commitment to halt the spread of violence.

South South Caucus representative, Solomon Bob, said successive administrations lacked the political will to confront insecurity.

He criticised the tendency to placate terrorists rather than enforce the law, arguing that downplaying terrorism as mere banditry undermines the gravity of the crisis.

Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, lamented the disproportionate impact of insecurity on women and children, citing the recent abductions in Papiri and Kamba.

She described the incidents as “a breach of the state’s core obligation to protect lives and property.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Federal Government’s handling of kidnappers, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of treating terrorists and bandits with excessive leniency.

Atiku’s comments came through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, shortly after the presidency announced the release of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State, alongside other students freed in Niger State and 38 worshippers from Kwara State, reportedly without ransom payments.

In a statement, Ibe said:
“Under Tinubu, terrorists and bandits have effectively become an alternative government negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away unharmed, while the presidency celebrates their ‘compliance.'”

He added:
“No serious nation congratulates itself for negotiating with terrorists or allowing abductors to escape and strike again. If security agencies truly had eyes on these criminals, letting them go is a national disgrace that raises questions of complicity.”

Ibe described comments by the President’s Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, as an attempt to whitewash government failures.

Atiku stressed that the release of abductees should not be seen as a “trophy moment” but as a warning that kidnappers now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms, while the government issues statements to save face.

He questioned the government’s approach:
“If security agencies were tracking these kidnappers in real time, why were they not arrested or neutralized immediately? Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of dismantling their networks? Has kidnapping become just a routine phone call between criminals and state officials?”

Atiku noted that Nigerians need real protection, not public relations statements celebrating temporary releases of abductees.

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a significant role in teaching him the values of tolerance and forbearance in politics.

Metuh, who marked his 60th birthday on Friday, reflected on his past as one of Tinubu’s fiercest critics during his time as PDP spokesperson.

He explained that despite that history, it was Tinubu who showed unexpected personal concern when Metuh faced arrest and prosecution.

“In my days as National Publicity Secretary, there was no political figure I criticised more than then–Senator Bola Tinubu,” he said.

“We saw him as the driving force of the opposition at the time, and many of our strongest press statements were directed at him.”

Metuh said he was taken aback when the same Tinubu he had opposed reached out to support him during his legal and health challenges, showing concern for his family and well-being.

“That experience taught me a deep lesson,” he added. “Tinubu showed me tolerance. He showed me forbearance. I believe leaders, whether in office or not, must learn to embody these virtues.”

Metuh, who now advocates for national unity and reconciliation in politics, said his experience demonstrates how understanding and empathy can help rebuild trust in the nation’s political space.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday strongly criticised the Federal Government for entering into negotiations with bandits to secure the release of 24 students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

The condemnation came from a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers known as “House to the Rescue,” who described the government’s decision, revealed by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, as a betrayal of public trust and a serious threat to national security.

During a special plenary session held on Tuesday, members lamented the worsening insecurity across the country, noting that Nigerians now live in constant fear as kidnappers and armed groups operate unchecked.

In a statement endorsed by lawmakers representing all six geopolitical zones, the group declared:

“The House to the Rescue unequivocally condemns the Federal Government’s engagement with bandits and criminal elements behind the ongoing wave of abductions across Nigeria.”

The lawmakers accused the government of empowering criminals rather than protecting citizens.

“At a time when Nigerians are pleading for safety, the government has chosen to negotiate with those who abduct children, terrorise communities, and challenge the authority of the Nigerian state,” they said.

They argued that President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy amounted to “an abdication of leadership.”

The statement noted that fresh kidnapping incidents in Kano, Kwara, Kebbi, and other states have left communities traumatised. Instead of decisive action, the lawmakers said, the government had offered “silence, excuses, and clandestine concessions to violent groups.”

“No responsible nation rewards criminality with dialogue. Negotiating with bandits has never yielded lasting peace anywhere in the world,” the coalition warned.

To support their position, they cited global examples where talks with violent non-state actors backfired:

Colombia: Negotiations with FARC reportedly increased ransom kidnappings and strengthened the rebels.

Mexico: Secret contacts with drug cartels worsened insecurity and emboldened gangs.

Afghanistan: Concessions, including prisoner exchanges, enabled the Taliban to regroup and eventually topple the entire government.

According to the lawmakers, Nigeria would face similar consequences if it continues to negotiate with criminal groups.

They warned that dialogue with bandits only legitimises their operations, encourages more abductions, and weakens public confidence in the country’s security institutions.

This approach, they said, has already created “a dangerous business model where abductors seize citizens and expect government negotiators instead of security forces.”

The coalition demanded that the Federal Government:

1. End all negotiations with bandits immediately.

2. Adopt intelligence-led military and security operations to rescue abductees.

3. Present a comprehensive national security strategy with clear accountability measures.

4. Subject all unofficial negotiators to National Assembly oversight.

The statement was signed by:
Muhammed Soba (North West), Zakari Mohammed (North Central), Olasupo Abiodun (South West), Sadiq Ibrahim (North East), Uko Nkole (South East), and Bassey Ewa (South South).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday announced that a total of 2,449,475 Nigerians have successfully completed both online and physical Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of future elections.

According to the commission’s latest report, 1,425,898 applicants finalised their online pre-registration, while 1,023,577 completed their registration through physical biometric capture at INEC centres nationwide.

State-by-State Breakdown

Osun State led the national tally with 193,026 completed registrations. It was followed by:

Imo: 144,209

Kano: 142,433

Sokoto: 132,584

Lagos: 115,334

Borno: 112,226

FCT: 106,855

Kogi: 97,012

Jigawa: 95,543

Zamfara: 90,739

Other figures reported include:

Katsina: 87,661

Kaduna: 82,421

Delta: 79,495

Kebbi: 77,721

Ogun: 77,014

Niger: 73,745

Oyo: 68,559

Akwa Ibom: 68,464

Rivers: 63,621

Further down the list:

Adamawa: 52,381

Kwara: 50,221

Yobe: 49,766

Benue: 46,802

Bayelsa: 41,856

Bauchi: 37,749

Ekiti: 33,393

Gombe: 32,890

Nasarawa: 31,862

Ebonyi: 29,102

Edo: 27,602

Plateau: 25,301

Taraba: 18,731

Enugu: 17,234

Ondo: 16,709

Cross River: 15,339

Abia: 13,875

Anambra State remained at zero, as CVR activities there are still suspended following the recently concluded governorship election, in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022.

INEC noted that the current phase of CVR, which began on August 18, 2025, is set to end in August 2026.

States in the South-West, especially Osun and Lagos, have consistently recorded high registration numbers.

However, INEC reported a recent surge in participation from several northern states, attributed to increased mobilisation efforts by community organisations, religious leaders and local government authorities.

These groups have been actively encouraging eligible voters to register as the 2026 deadline approaches.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday dismissed reports claiming he was planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling them false and politically motivated.

The rumours suggested that Alia had secretly met with former Senate President and ex-PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, to discuss a supposed defection.

Reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso, the governor described the claims as “laughable, malicious, and part of a smear campaign” aimed at distracting him from governance and misleading the presidency for political gain.

The statement, titled “Mischievous Fake Story on Governor Alia’s Alleged Defection to ADC,” clarified that all Alia’s meetings with elders and state leaders, including Ayu, were purely consultative and in the spirit of inclusivity, with no political or religious motives.

Alia also met other respected figures such as Senator David Iornem, Elder David Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the APC across Benue State.

The statement added:

“Under the clear directives of His Excellency, opposition structures across Benue are collapsing into the APC, with defection ceremonies happening in virtually all local government areas. Influential individuals are leaving their former parties to join the ruling party in unprecedented numbers.

Governor Alia remains fully committed to building a united and dominant APC in Benue State.

He is prepared to engage even the fiercest political opponents and bring them into the party as part of a broader strategy for 2027 consolidation, both for his administration and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The governor urged the public to ignore the social media claims, warning that such misinformation could create confusion and weaken the growing strength of the APC in Benue State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted the names of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the submission during Wednesday’s plenary session, noting that the nominees are Kayode Are (Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State) and Ayodele Oke.

Akpabio added, “The list contains three names for now. I am sure others will follow.”

Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has not appointed any ambassadors, a delay that has attracted public criticism.

Detail shortly…

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has proposed a ₦1.39 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a “People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth” aimed at deepening infrastructure development and improving livelihoods across the state.

Presenting the proposal before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Governor Eno said the budget reflects insights gathered from the state’s Town Square Meetings and is designed to respond directly to citizens’ needs.

The 2026 proposal represents a ₦260 billion (16%) reduction from the revised 2025 budget.

Of the proposed ₦1.39 trillion expenditure, ₦354.867 billion (25%) is earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure while ₦1.035 trillion (75%) is allocated to Capital Expenditure.

The governor explained that prioritising capital spending would accelerate economic activities, support infrastructure expansion, and drive long-term growth.

Key sectoral allocations include: ₦387.5 billion for roads and infrastructure, ₦31.6 billion for education and ₦136.1 billion for health.

Governor Eno reiterated his request for quick legislative approval, saying:
“I urge you to quickly pass this budget so we may continue to work for our people.”

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for removing the petrol subsidy, noting that the policy has created fiscal room for states to fund more development projects without borrowing.

According to him, all ongoing projects have been fully funded, consistent with the administration’s ARISE Agenda, with priority areas including food security, mechanised agriculture, rural income expansion, and poverty reduction.

Governor Eno highlighted ongoing agricultural reforms, noting that 69,107 farmers have benefited from the state’s agricultural revolution, 13,060 registered farmers have received processing machines and equipment and a new palm tree crop revolution will soon be launched to build long-term wealth, particularly in rural communities.

Total projected capital receipts for 2026 stand at ₦1.035 trillion, comprising ₦791.978 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund and ₦243.155 billion from other financing sources.

Further details of project-specific allocations, the governor said, will be presented by the Commissioner for Budget.

Speaker of the Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, commended the governor for presenting a budget consistent with the state’s development blueprint and for prioritising the ongoing transformation of the Assembly complex.