Outrage as Government Reintegration of Ex-Boko Haram Fighters Sparks Controversy
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Security experts, civil society organizations, and victims of terrorism have strongly condemned the Nigerian government’s reintegration of thousands of so-called “repentant” Boko Haram fighters, arguing that it comes at the expense of victims still suffering in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Security consultant Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi criticized the return of 5,000 former terrorists to the very communities they once terrorized, calling it an insult to those who lost their lives defending the nation. He warned that such a policy undermines justice and national security. “If we are serious about addressing this issue, we must treat them the same way they treated innocent citizens. Reintegrating them into society suggests that our system is failing,” he said. A resident of Yobe State, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, echoed these concerns, arguing that the government should have ensured the total defeat of Boko Haram before considering reintegration. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also rejected the policy, with its executive director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, describing it as unjust. He argued that while ex-terrorists are being rehabilitated, victims continue to languish without proper compensation or support. “These criminals committed atrocities—murder, destruction—yet they are being rewarded while their victims remain neglected. The government should focus on justice and ensure these perpetrators face trial,” Rafsanjani stated. Sanusi Isa, country director of Amnesty International, emphasized that those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable through fair trials, stressing that victims and their families deserve justice. Mutah Nkeki, a leader from Chibok, condemned the government’s handling of the issue, alleging that some of the abducted Chibok girls, rescued or escaped, remain separated from their families. He further claimed that some former Boko Haram members were cohabiting with these girls under the government’s watch. “We are being subjected to injustice. Parents of rescued girls have been denied access to them, and we hear disturbing reports that they are living with their abductors. The government is rewarding those who destroyed our communities while ignoring the suffering of victims,” Nkeki lamented. However, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, dismissed these allegations, insisting that the government has spent more on rehabilitating victims than on ex-insurgents. He clarified that only individuals who were farmers caught in the conflict, not hardcore insurgents, were released. Regarding the Chibok girls, he stated that they are free to choose where to live, emphasizing that the government cannot force adults to return to their home communities. Despite these assurances, the reintegration of ex-Boko Haram fighters continues to provoke national outrage, with many demanding a rethink of the policy and justice for the victims of terrorism. Related Posts Market offers rent-now, pay-later answer to tenants. Prospective renters in Nigeria can now breathe a sigh of relief as a rental solution that simplifies renting and facilitates Read more Rwanda retreat: Nigerian governments discuss complex issues. The Nigerian governors will attend and participate in a three-day leadership retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, designed to provide a platform Read more 8 Ways to Encourage Daily Walking Moving your body is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health, but you Read more Shaibu: I support Obaseki and seek governorship. Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State, has pledged to remain loyal to Edo State’s governor, Godwin Obaseki, despite Read more Olawale Moses OyewoleOlawale Moses Oyewole is an adept writer who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He is a digital strategist who help brands gain online visibility.