"It does not make even common sense to grant pardon, rehabilitate and reintegrate criminals - Senator Adams Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomole on Tuesday, July 7, joined his colleagues in the call for the suspension of the terrorist rehabilitation programme.

Launched in 2016 by the Buhari administration, the rehabilitation and reintegration programme was designed to rehabilitate "low-risk" defectors from Boko Haram and ISWAP through psychological counseling, religious reorientation, and vocational training. Over 2,600 ex-combatants have graduated from the facility in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.

As insecurity continues to rise across the country, members of the Nigerian Senate called for the suspension of the programme.

During plenary, Senator Oshiomole said it doesn't make any sense for criminals to be pardoned and rehabilitated by the government.

''It does not make even common sense to grant pardon and rehabilitate and re-integrate criminals'' he said

Also speaking, Senator Abba Moro, said

''There is an urgent need for the leadership of this Senate to meet with Mr President and re-emphasize the concerns of Nigerians. Otherwise, quite frankly... it's becoming...and in an election year?!!! Anything can happen to anybody''

After a robust deliberation, the lawmakers passed a motion for the arrest and prosecution of criminals.

Watch the lawmakers speak below

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by Linda Ikeji at 08/07/2026 12:49 PM | Share this Story