ADC warns against reintegration of ex-terrorists without prosecution

The African Democratic Congress has warned that plans to reintegrate hundreds of former terrorists into society without ensuring justice and accountability could encourage further violence.

The party said this in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

It said the move could send the wrong signal to victims and others who may be considering violence.

It said the move could send the wrong signal to victims and others who may be considering violence.

The party stated, “Terrorism is not a family dispute. It is not a moral metaphor. It is a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its people.

“It has taken lives, destroyed communities, displaced millions, and undermined the very foundation of security and economic stability in our country.

“To respond to such a threat with language that softens its meaning, and policies that appear to prioritise rehabilitation ahead of accountability, is not compassion. It is a weakness.”

The party also faulted what it described as a lenient approach to terrorism, saying the government must demonstrate clarity in addressing insecurity.

“Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice. It is facilitation. It sends the wrong signal to victims who are still waiting for closure, and even worse, it is a signal to those who may be considering violence that the cost of terror can be negotiated after the fact,” he added.

The ADC said the government had yet to clarify how individuals selected for reintegration were screened, prosecuted or deemed fit to return to society.

It added that there was no clear framework for monitoring such individuals after reintegration or assurances that affected communities had been consulted.

The party warned that failure to address these concerns could undermine public confidence in the fight against insurgency.

On April 16, PUNCH Online reports that 744 individuals graduated from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

The participants included former insurgents and victims of violent extremism drawn from states such as Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Kano.

At the event in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, described the programme as a strategy to address the drivers of insurgency and promote peace.