Nigeria’s Senate has called on the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, arguing that the policy undermines justice for victims and could weaken the country’s fight against terrorism.
According to The Guardian, June 7, 2026, the resolution followed deliberations by lawmakers who expressed concern that former terrorists accused of participating in violent attacks were being returned to society while thousands of victims remain displaced and communities devastated by years of insurgency.
Senators urged the Federal Government to review its counter-insurgency strategy and prioritize prosecution, justice for victims, and enhanced support for affected communities.
Terrorists Should Face The Law
According Intelregion.com several lawmakers maintained that individuals linked to terrorist activities should face the full weight of the law rather than receive rehabilitation without adequate accountability.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to increase humanitarian assistance for communities devastated by Boko Haram Islamists attacks and strengthen military operations against the remaining insurgents operating in the North-East, North West and the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
Operation Safe Corridor
The Federal Government’s deradicalization initiative, popularly known as “Operation Safe Corridor,” was introduced to encourage those regarded as low-risk insurgents to surrender, undergo rehabilitation and eventually return to civilian life.
Authorities have defended the programme as part of a broader non-kinetic strategy aimed at ending the insurgency and encouraging more fighters to surrender.
However, critics insist that the programme has failed to address the concerns of victims and survivors, many of whom continue to live in displacement camps with limited access to basic services.
They argue that reconciliation cannot succeed without justice and accountability for crimes committed during the insurgency.
The Senate’s position comes amid renewed national debate over how Nigeria should handle captured and surrendered insurgents.
While security experts remain divided, some believe rehabilitation can help reduce recruitment into extremist groups, others insist that terrorism-related offences should be punished under existing laws.
