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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The Ekiti Anglican Diocese of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has advocated for a level playing field for all political parties ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes. This call was part of a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Third Session of the Diocese’s 20th Synod, held in Ado Ekiti, with the theme ‘Children are the heritage of God.’ The communiqué, signed by drafting committee chairman Taiwo Olatunbosun and Secretary Emmanuel Ojo, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain impartial and ensure all lawful votes are counted, while also calling on anti-graft agencies to combat electoral malpractice. The Synod commended the Federal Government's anti-corruption efforts but requested intensification without bias, recommending transparent reinvestment of funds saved from fuel subsidy removal to alleviate citizens' suffering. Expressing concern over persistent violence, particularly in Northern Nigeria, the Synod urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts and adopt enhanced collaborative strategies to address security challenges. It also welcomed international cooperation, specifically with the United States, in training Nigerian security forces in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations. The Diocese highlighted the importance of youth development and encouraged greater participation of Christian youths in politics, calling on public off
Must ReadBauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reportedly halted his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress APC due to a disagreement over the proposed sharing formula for state party offices. Consultations between Governor Mohammed's Turaki-backed Peoples Democratic Party PDP faction and the APC stalled after the PDP demanded 60 percent of party offices, a condition rejected by the APC. Governor Mohammed had previously expressed interest in joining the APC in March after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and the party's leadership. Offers made to the governor reportedly included an APC senatorial ticket and allowances extended to other governors who joined the ruling party. Sama’ila Burga, Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction, stated that the APC was unwilling to accommodate the PDP structure and the state government. Burga, speaking on behalf of Governor Mohammed, indicated that the discussions, initiated by the APC through its national leadership and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, failed because the APC did not agree to the 60–40 sharing formula, which Burga noted had been adopted in similar defections in other states. Following extensive consultations, the PDP faction resolved to discontinue the talks and is now exploring alternative political platforms. The APC has not yet commented on Governor Mohammed's decision.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Army has voiced concern regarding the low level of enrolment from the South-East region in its ongoing recruitment drive. As of April 7, Anambra State recorded only 117 applicants out of 38,000 applications received nationwide. This information was shared during a sensitisation event in Awka, Anambra State, led by Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe. This follows previous concerns raised in April 2025 by Chima Ekeator, leader of the 2025 army recruitment enlightenment team, who noted that the South-East was underrepresented, with only about 100 applications received for 200 allocated slots in a prior recruitment cycle. The current sensitisation aims to correct this imbalance and encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to apply before the May 27 deadline. Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe highlighted benefits of joining, including career progression, regular pay, continuous education, welfare packages, free medical care, and pension. The Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, and traditional ruler Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, commended the initiative, urging youths to enlist for better regional representation.
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority NALDA has inaugurated a 5,000-hectare farm estate in Ora, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. This initiative aims to address food insecurity and rural unemployment, with projections to impact approximately 10,000 livelihoods directly and indirectly. The Executive Secretary of NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo, stated that the project is part of President Bola Tinubu's national strategy to enhance food production, create jobs, and mitigate insecurity through agriculture. The farm estate model clusters farmers in a secure and structured environment to improve productivity and address safety concerns. Each farmer will receive five hectares, and is expected to employ four to five workers, potentially creating 5,000 direct jobs. Including service providers, the initiative targets 10,000 beneficiaries. NALDA will provide mechanized support, starting with 10 tractors. Adebayo noted that the clustering model facilitates access to financing, monitoring, and coordination with security agencies. Similar farm estates are being developed in Ekiti, Bauchi, and Plateau states. The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, described the project as transformative and urged resident participation, anticipating it will reduce insecurity by engaging youth. The Olora of Ora, Oba Aremu Ridwan, welcomed the development but requested the Federal Government prioritize rehabilitating access roads to the community for easier transpor