Widespread anger and condemnation have greeted the Federal Government’s decision to reintegrate 744 former terrorists into society following a six-month deradicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
The announcement, made on Thursday, April 16, 2026, has triggered fierce reactions from Nigerians, including retired military officers, lawyers, and human rights activists. Many are questioning the government’s priorities, arguing that while ex-fighters are being rehabilitated, victims of insurgency remain neglected without adequate support for healthcare, housing, or livelihoods.
“This is a slap on the faces of the thousands who have lost loved ones to these same terrorists,” a retired army colonel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told CDA News Nigeria. “Where is the justice for our fallen soldiers and displaced communities?”
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the reintegration as “ill-timed and insensitive,” calling on the government to focus on securing justice for victims before rehabilitating perpetrators.
The Federal Government, through the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Major General Bello Tsoho, defended the programme, stating that the ex-terrorists had been thoroughly screened and were no longer threats to national security. “They have renounced violence and undergone skills acquisition training,” Tsoho said.
However, critics remain unconvinced. Many Nigerians on social media are demanding a full public disclosure of the identities and locations where these individuals will be resettled, warning of potential security risks.
As outrage continues to mount, the government faces mounting pressure to balance security with justice and compassion for victims.
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