Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, has urged a comprehensive review of security personnel recruitment to prevent infiltration by criminals and sabotage within Nigeria’s security sector.

Speaking on Wednesday on behalf of the North Central caucus during a House debate, Wase also recommended a re-evaluation of the presidential directive withdrawing police escorts from VIPs, stressing the need for clear categorization of individuals eligible for protection.

He warned that insurgents and armed robbers have sometimes gained entry into the military and police due to recruitment flaws. “There were moments when Boko Haram members and armed robbers were found in the lists of the Nigerian army and police. We must ensure that politicians recommend people of integrity to serve our country effectively,” Wase said, citing a case where a former SGF identified an armed robber in police uniform at an airport.

Wase highlighted the shortage of security personnel, noting that Nigeria’s police-to-population ratio is far below UN standards. He compared it with Egypt, where more than 5 million police officers serve a population under 100 million.

Emphasizing the security crisis in the North Central region, Wase said it accounts for 52 percent of Nigeria’s insurgency and criminal incidents, with significant loss of life and displacement. He stressed that violence is driven by criminality rather than religion: “In every enclave, you find Muslims, Christians, and others. The majority of victims in some areas are Muslims. We must label these attacks as criminality, not religious persecution.”

Sharing personal tragedy, Wase revealed he has lost close family members, including a cousin, a brother, and a nephew, to ongoing violence. He also raised concerns over indigeneship and citizenship issues, urging constitutional solutions to prevent further divisions.

Regarding VIP protection, Wase acknowledged the rationale behind the withdrawal order but warned that indiscriminate removal could compromise safety. “The categorisation must be spelled out. Otherwise, we will face the same kidnapping and banditry challenges repeatedly,” he said, calling for strengthened security and adequate equipment for law enforcement agencies.