The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to immediately discontinue its policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating former Boko Haram members into society, arguing that individuals suspected of terrorism should face prosecution rather than rehabilitation.
The resolution was reached during plenary on Tuesday, where lawmakers expressed concerns over the continued implementation of the government's de-radicalisation and reintegration programme for ex-insurgents.
According to the Senate, persons linked to acts of terrorism should be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted in line with Nigeria's anti-terrorism laws instead of being returned to communities through rehabilitation initiatives.
Lawmakers maintained that allowing former insurgents to rejoin society without undergoing the full judicial process could undermine justice for victims of terrorism, weaken public confidence in the nation's security framework, and pose renewed security risks to affected communities.
The Senate urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at apprehending terrorists, ensuring accountability, and delivering justice for victims and communities devastated by years of insurgency.
The call comes amid ongoing concerns over insecurity in Nigeria's North-East, where Boko Haram and other extremist groups have carried out deadly attacks, displaced millions of residents, and destroyed critical infrastructure over the years.
TwisdicInfo Insight: The Senate's position reflects growing public debate over how Nigeria should balance national security, justice for victims, and the rehabilitation of repentant insurgents. While rehabilitation programmes are designed to encourage defections and reduce violence, many Nigerians believe suspected terrorists should first be subjected to the judicial process before any consideration of reintegration.
Source: The Punch Newspaper / Nigerian Senate Proceedings.