Borno Senator, Ndume Berates FG Over Reintegration Of Ex-Boko Haram Fighters

Senator representing Borno south, Ali Ndume, has told the federal government to stop the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-Boko Haram fighter into the society.

He said the programme will not yield a positive result as the ex-insurgents cannot change their old ways.

The military had in 2016 launched Operation Safe Corridor, an initiative for the deradicalisation and rehabilitation of ex-Boko Haram fighters.

The aim of the operation, the military had also said, is to reintegrate repentant Boko Haram members into society.

About 600 ex-Boko Haram members completed a de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DRR) programme in July.

But while speaking on a BBC Hausa service programme, Ndume expressed his displeasure at the initiative, saying it is an injustice to the people of Borno.

He said those who were rehabilitated had since fled and return to their previous life of terror.

Also Read: ‘Take Them To Aso Rock’ – Borno Residents Oppose Reintegration Of Repentant Boko Haram Insurgents

He noted that if the government was sincere about doing something to address the insurgency scourge then the hapless victims in IDP camps should be its priority and not Boko Haram members.

“This government’s programme is unacceptable to our people. The right thing is to stop it, forthwith,” he said.

“Not that they even apologised to you, they apologised to the government with the thinking that government has failed and that is why they are being pampered,” he said.

“They are like Kharajites. Many among those released have since run away. They will never repent.

“The government should know what to do about them. But not re-introducing someone to you, who has killed your parent, or your relations.

“If there is sincerity of purpose in this, those in the IDP camps should be trained in various trades and vocation so that they could start life again.”