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Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”
Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.
Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.
Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.
“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.
The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.
Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.
Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.
Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.
The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.
FG Ramps Up Malaria Elimination Efforts, Calls for Stronger Community Participation
Abuja, April 17, 2026 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria in Nigeria, unveiling intensified strategies focused on prevention, community engagement, and the adoption of global best practices.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known on Friday in Abuja while receiving the a veteran actor and the Oloja-Elect of Lagos, Prince Jide Kosoko, who paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the 2026 World Malaria Day.
Speaking during the meeting, Salako said the government had, since 2023, adopted a more proactive and innovative approach to tackling malaria through what he described as the “Rethinking Malaria Strategy,” introduced with the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that the strategy departs from conventional approaches by placing greater emphasis on prevention, data-driven interventions, and multi-sectoral collaboration, while also drawing from the experiences of countries that have successfully eliminated malaria.
As part of this renewed effort, the minister said the government established the Advocacy Committee on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (ACMEN), a global platform designed to harness expertise and strengthen advocacy for malaria eradication across the country.
Salako noted that Nigeria had recorded steady progress in reducing malaria prevalence over the years, citing a decline from about 42 per cent in 2010 to 22 per cent in 2022.
He added that further reductions had been achieved in recent years, reflecting the impact of targeted interventions and improved public health strategies.
According to him, current trends indicate a significant drop in malaria cases nationwide, with only a few states still classified under high transmission, while several others are approaching pre-elimination status.
He cited Lagos State as a leading example, noting that its low prevalence rate demonstrates the possibility of scaling successful interventions across other parts of the country.
The minister also highlighted increased compliance with the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
He said available data showed that more than 64 per cent of Nigerians now use treated nets when provided, attributing the improvement to sustained advocacy and public health campaigns.
Salako further disclosed that the National Malaria Strategic Plan had been updated to cover the 2026–2030 period, in alignment with the Health Sector Strategic Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at ensuring a coordinated, sector-wide response.
While acknowledging the progress made, the minister stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to achieve total elimination of malaria.
He called on Nigerians to take ownership of preventive measures, including maintaining clean surroundings, clearing drainages, eliminating stagnant water, and consistently using insecticide-treated nets.
He also cautioned against the common practice of self-medication without proper diagnosis.
“Not every fever is malaria. It is important that individuals get tested before commencing treatment and adhere strictly to prescribed medications when malaria is confirmed,” he said.
Earlier, Kosoko commended the government’s efforts in addressing malaria and pledged to support ongoing initiatives through grassroots sensitisation and advocacy.
He said he had been engaging students and communities across Lagos and Abuja, educating them on the dangers of malaria and the importance of preventive practices.
Kosoko emphasised the need for stronger community involvement in the fight against malaria, noting that sustainable success would depend largely on public awareness and behavioural change.
The meeting, held under the IMPACT Project, was attended by senior officials of the ministry, including representatives of the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Public Health, and the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme.
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