The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are undergoing deradicalisation as part of their reintegration into society.
According to Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Defence Training and Operations, approximately 129,000 Boko Haram fighters have been arrested, but only 800 were selected for the rehabilitation program.
Onumajuru explained that the surrendered fighters are processed through the legal system, with some being detained, others in Kainji, and a special court reviewing their cases.
Those found guilty face prosecution, while others undergo de-radicalisation, a process that takes about a year. He emphasized that de-radicalisation is possible within a year, given the professionalism of those handling the process. The 800 participants were carefully selected after undergoing a thorough legal process.Onumajuru stressed the importance of combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to combat insurgency, citing the Operation Safe Corridor’s deradicalisation efforts as a crucial non-kinetic approach.
The de-radicalization and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members in Nigeria has been a contentious issue, sparking heated debates and controversies.
One of the main concerns is the Lack of Transparency in the rehabilitation process, with many questioning the government’s ability to genuinely reform these former terrorists
Another point of contention is the Reintegration of Former Fighters into their communities.
Many Nigerians are wary of accepting these individuals back into their midst, fearing that they may still harbor extremist ideologies.
This has led to tensions between host communities and the rehabilitated fighters.
The Effectiveness of the De-radicalization Program has also been called into question. Critics argue that the program may not be doing enough to address the root causes of extremism, and that some participants may be merely pretending to renounce their beliefs in order to gain freedom.
Furthermore, there are concerns about National Security, as some Nigerians worry that the release of rehabilitated Boko Haram members could compromise the country’s safety .
The government has been releasing hundreds of former fighters, including over 500 in March 2022, which has sparked fears of a potential resurgence of terrorist activity.Lastly, the Legitimacy of the Repentance has been questioned, with some arguing that the former fighters are not genuinely remorseful for their past actions, but rather are seeking to escape punishment or gain benefits.