By Erewunmi Peace

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, has alleged that suspected members of Boko Haram and other criminal groups were discovered on past recruitment lists of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force.

Wase made the revelation during a special plenary session at the National Assembly, where lawmakers debated Nigeria’s worsening security situation. According to him, the infiltration was uncovered during a previous oversight investigation by the House Committee on Defence, led at the time by Hon. Muktar Betara.

The former deputy speaker stated that lawmakers were “shocked” to find the names of individuals linked to terrorist networks appearing among applicants shortlisted to join key security agencies. He said the discovery exposed serious gaps in Nigeria’s vetting and recruitment processes.

Other lawmakers at the plenary also expressed concern, warning that weak institutions and poor background checks have made it easier for criminal elements to penetrate the nation’s security architecture.

While Wase’s comments have sparked widespread public debate, security agencies have not yet issued an official response or released details confirming the identities of those allegedly linked to Boko Haram on the recruitment lists.

The allegation comes amid renewed calls for thorough reforms in Nigeria’s military and police recruitment systems, particularly at a time when the country continues to battle insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent extremism.