ADC cautions FG over ex-terrorists’ reintegration

The African Democratic Congress has warned the Federal Government against plans to return former terrorists to society without first ensuring proper legal action, stating that such a move could worsen insecurity across the country. The party gave this warning on Sunday through a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

According to the party, allowing former fighters to rejoin communities without accountability could create a wrong impression, especially for victims who have suffered losses and for others who may consider taking up violence. It stated that acts of terrorism have led to deaths, destruction of homes, and displacement of many people, affecting the country’s safety and economy.

The party expressed concern that placing rehabilitation ahead of justice could weaken efforts to tackle insecurity. It argued that failing to hold offenders responsible might make it seem as though acts of violence can be overlooked later, which could affect trust in the system.

It also raised questions about the process used in selecting those being reintegrated. The party noted that there is little public information on whether those involved were properly screened, prosecuted, or assessed before being allowed back into society. It added that there was no clear structure for monitoring them after reintegration or evidence that affected communities were consulted.

The development follows the recent completion of a government programme where hundreds of individuals, including former insurgents and victims of violent extremism, passed through a rehabilitation process under Operation Safe Corridor. The participants came from states such as Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Kano.

At the event held in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, described the programme as part of efforts to address the root causes of insurgency and promote peace.

Despite this, the ADC maintained that without clear steps to ensure justice and proper follow-up, the programme could affect public confidence in the fight against terrorism and raise concerns about long-term security.