Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, claimed on Wednesday that Boko Haram members' names were once found on the Nigerian Army’s recruitment list, warning that such infiltration threatens the country's security framework.

During a special plenary session dedicated to reviewing national security concerns, Wase mentioned that former House Committee on Defence Chairman Muktar Betara could verify this incident.

He pointed out that this situation highlights significant flaws in Nigeria's recruitment procedures, which have allowed individuals with criminal backgrounds to infiltrate key security agencies.

Wase, who lost a brother and a cousin to terrorists, explained that these infiltrations contribute to the ongoing ability of criminal groups to operate with impunity across many regions.

He also noted that the security crisis has become so severe that his younger brother, the survivor, pleaded with him to help him transfer out of their community.

He said: "My brother, former chairman of defence, and my very good friend, Betara, will bear with me that we have moments when, in the process of recruitment, we found in the list names of criminals. Boko Haram members were found on the Army's list.

"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. 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 way of our recruitment.

"Yes, as politicians, it's good to recommend. This is what we are here for. But when you are recommending, please recommend people of integrity, people who will meet standards and ensure that they give the best access to our country."

ASA