700
By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal Government has commenced the process of reintegrating 744 repentant terrorists and victims of violent extremism into society, a decision that is drawing fresh scrutiny amid growing concerns over justice for victims of insurgency.
The development was announced at the graduation ceremony of beneficiaries from the government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) camp under Operation Safe Corridor, where officials said the programme remains a key strategy in tackling insurgency through non-military means.
“The De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme is a critical non-kinetic strategy aimed at breaking the cycle of violent extremism and giving willing individuals a second chance at life,” an official at the ceremony said.
According to government representatives, the initiative is designed to deradicalise, rehabilitate and prepare former fighters for productive civilian life, while also supporting victims affected by insurgency.
The beneficiaries underwent months of psychological counselling, vocational training, religious reorientation and civic education.
“This initiative is in line with global best practices. It is not about absolving crimes, but about ensuring long-term peace and preventing recidivism,” the official added.
However, the programme has continued to generate widespread anger and criticism among Nigerians, many of whom question why individuals accused of grave crimes are being rehabilitated and reintegrated, while victims and displaced families still struggle to rebuild their lives.
“How do you explain to families who lost loved ones that those responsible are being rehabilitated and reintegrated without facing justice?” a concerned resident of Abuja who gave his name as Salasi queried.
Critics argue that the initiative appears to prioritise the welfare of former fighters over justice for victims, raising concerns about accountability and the long-term implications for national security.
“This programme seems to prioritise the comfort of perpetrators over the pain of victims who are still struggling to rebuild their lives,” Musa Bello, another Nigerian said.
The concerns have been further heightened by recent events, including the burial of a Brigadier-General and other personnel killed by terrorists in Maiduguri just a day before the latest graduation.
“Just yesterday, we buried brave officers killed by terrorists, and today we are celebrating those who took up arms against the state,” a critic lamented on radio .
For many, the contrast underscores what they describe as a painful paradox where those who perpetrate violence eventually benefit from rehabilitation programmes.
“There is a painful contradiction in asking victims to heal while those who caused their trauma are being reintegrated into the same society,” Joel Eriboh, a civil society advocate said.
Despite the backlash, there is no indication that the Federal Government is reconsidering the initiative, which officials insist aligns with global best practices in countering violent extremism and reducing recidivism.
“We are working closely with state governments, community leaders and security agencies to ensure proper monitoring and reintegration of the beneficiaries,” the official said.
The Federal Government also urged communities to embrace the reintegrated individuals, stressing that their successful return to society depends largely on public cooperation and sustained support systems.
“We urge communities to accept these individuals and support their transition, as their successful reintegration is key to sustaining peace in affected regions,” the official added.
Operation Safe Corridor, established as a non-kinetic approach to tackling insurgency, continues to complement military operations by providing a pathway for disengaged fighters to renounce violence and rebuild their lives.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace, security and stability across affected regions, assuring that necessary measures would be put in place to track the progress of the reintegrated individuals and safeguard communities.