Outrage grows over reintegration of 744 former terrorists in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Nigeria's Federal Government's De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme, Operation Safe Corridor, has graduated 744 former terrorists, sparking widespread outrage. The beneficiaries, primarily from conflict-affected states like Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Kano, completed the program. This development has led to debates concerning transparency, accountability, and the impact on victims of violent extremism. Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, stated that while the policy is not inherently bad, it raises concerns about secrecy and lack of oversight. He emphasized the need to address victims' grievances to prevent endangering communities and the reintegrated individuals. Osigwe also called for stronger monitoring mechanisms, including parole-style supervision and livelihood support. Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, noted that while international law supports reintegration, the Nigerian process lacks transparency. He urged the government to be transparent about the identities of these individuals and their level of involvement in terrorism. Omenazu Jackson, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, criticized the program for lacking accountability for crimes committed, warning that reintegration without punishment could encourage repeat violent acts. Security expert Kabir Adamu highlighted that rehabilitation is a key part of counter-terrorism but requires independent evalua
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Protesting teachers in Mexico City toppled statues of football players on the main promenade and threatened further demonstrations before the World Cup if their labor demands are not met. The dissident wing of the national teachers' union, CNTE, organized the protest and is also threatening mass demonstrations at the World Cup's opening on June 11. Protesters used ropes to bring down three five-meter-high plastic statues, stripping and burning their uniforms. Graffiti on a nude mannequin read, "Long live the CNTE," and another stated, "If there isn’t a solution, the ball won’t roll." This follows a Monday incident where police dispersed another CNTE march with tear gas and sound grenades near the Zocalo plaza, the site for the World Cup "Fan fest." The CNTE dissident wing is demanding a 100 percent salary increase and opposes pension reforms, rejecting a nine percent raise agreed upon by the official union leadership. The protest on Tuesday caused road closures and traffic congestion in the capital. While statues representing Belgium, France, and Spain were toppled, the mannequin in the Mexican kit remained standing. Police did not intervene. Juan Pablo de la Cruz, a 44-year-old teacher, stated, "If Sheinbaum calls toppling some statues a crime, what would she call the act of taking away our rights? We need to be more firm." President Claudia Sheinbaum described the protest as peaceful, and a government statement called for a resumption of dialogue. Mexico is co-hosting the W
The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission has announced the signing of four new regulatory bills into law, aiming to improve electricity supply within the state. These laws are designed to dismantle the monopoly held by FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, which currently manages power distribution in Anambra. The ASERC Chairman, Prof. Frank Nwoye Okafor, stated that the commission's role is to regulate the Anambra electricity market and ensure adherence to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan. The four regulations, which include Business Rules, Customer Protection Regulation, Licensing Regulation, and Investment Regulation, are intended to foster a more structured, transparent, and equitable energy landscape. Prof. Okafor emphasized that these regulations will protect consumer rights, establish clear and fair licensing frameworks, and attract sustainable investment into the electricity market, thereby boosting Anambra's economic environment through consistent electricity supply. He also called for collaboration to ensure the commission's effective operation.
Nigeria concluded the 2026 African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali, with a total of seven medals: three gold, one silver, and three bronze. Aderibigbe Faridah earned a gold medal in the Freestyle Poomsae category and a silver in the Pair Poomsae event with Salawudeen Abdulafeez. Haruna Usman secured another gold in the Poomsae U-40 Male category, while Para-Taekwondo athlete Mathew Udom won the first gold in the -57kg Kyorugi category. Bronze medals were awarded to Joel Jordan in the men's +87kg Kyorugi division, Chidinma Okoko in the women's -62kg Kyorugi category, and Salawudeen Abdulafeez in the Poomsae U-30 Male event. Morocco emerged as overall champions, dominating the Kyorugi event with eight gold medals. Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President, Tayo Popoola, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance.
Four Nigerian wrestlers have arrived in Mongolia to participate in the 2026 World Wrestling 3rd Ranking Series. The team, comprising Genesis Mercy Miesinnei 50kg, Ogunsanya Christianah Tolulope 53kg, Kolawole Esther Omolayo 62kg, and Ojo Damola Hannah 76kg, aims to earn ranking points to improve their world standings and secure top seedings for the World Championships. Women’s wrestling coach and Nigeria Wrestling Federation Technical Committee Chairman Akuh Purity is leading the delegation and acknowledged the support of NWF President Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for covering all logistical and participation arrangements.