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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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadDaniel Bwala, a presidential aide, stated on The Link Up Podcast that a rivalry between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration led to troops being denied air cover during operations. Bwala claimed that a disagreement between the Chief of Air Staff and Army leadership meant requests for air support were sometimes ignored, a situation he says has since been resolved. He made these comments while dismissing suggestions that the military was infiltrated by elements sympathetic to terrorist groups, though he conceded that isolated cases of infiltration could not be ruled out. Bwala also linked broader security concerns to foreign interference, alleging an international dimension to Nigeria's insurgency, including pro-Russian demonstrations in northern Nigeria. He referenced an unverified claim by US Congressman Scott Perry that the CIA had funded Boko Haram and ISIS. Additionally, Bwala rated the performance of the Tinubu administration highly, citing improvements in foreign reserves and revenue.
A viral photograph showing Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal, initially dismissed by many as AI-generated, has been confirmed as authentic. The image, taken in 2007 during a charity photo shoot for a Barcelona Foundation and SPORT calendar to raise funds for UNICEF, resurfaced in 2024. Photographer Joan Monfort captured the photo, which features a 19-year-old Messi with a three-month-old Yamal. Oriol Canals, then in SPORT's marketing department, recalled the challenges of producing the calendar. Yamal's family participated in a UNICEF community project and won a raffle for their newborn to be photographed with a Barcelona player, leading to the pairing with Messi. The photo shoot, lasting about 30 minutes, took place at Camp Nou. Canals noted Messi's initial stiffness holding a baby, while Monfort described the teenage Messi as shy. The image gained significant attention when Yamal's father shared it on social media in 2024, just before Yamal helped Spain win UEFA EURO 2024. Both Monfort and Canals expressed amazement at the photo's renewed relevance. UNICEF has also confirmed the photo's authenticity, highlighting that both Messi, a Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, and Yamal, who became one last month, champion children's rights. Messi and Yamal are now set to face each other in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Argentina playing Spain.
England and France will compete in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday. This match holds significance beyond the bronze medal, including the Golden Boot race and marking the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France coach. The game at Miami Stadium will be their first encounter since France's 2-1 victory in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. Both teams experienced semi-final defeats, with France losing 2-0 to Spain and England falling 2-1 to Argentina. Kylian Mbappé of France and Lionel Messi are tied with eight goals each in the Golden Boot race, while England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six goals apiece. France will be without defender William Saliba due to injury, with Maxence Lacroix expected to start. Theo Hernández will replace Lucas Digne at left-back, and Warren Zaïre-Emery and Rayan Cherki are anticipated to join the starting lineup. England faces injury concerns with Reece James and Jordan Henderson unavailable. Jude Bellingham's availability is uncertain pending a FIFA disciplinary decision, while Morgan Rogers and Kobbie Mainoo could make their first appearances. This will be Deschamps' final game as coach, having led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final. A win would secure England's best-ever third-place finish, while France aims to maintain a perfect record in bronze-medal matches.