The Nigerian government has made significant financial commitments to the rehabilitation of terrorists, with a reported ₦1.4 billion spent over the past 18 months to build centres for the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram members and other militants. The funds have also been used to renovate trial facilities for terrorism-related prosecutions, but the government’s approach has stirred controversy, particularly over the secrecy of the trials and the overall effectiveness of its rehabilitation strategy.
The announcement of this extensive funding follows the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, which received presidential assent on May 12, 2022. One of the key provisions of the bill was the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which oversees these rehabilitation efforts, designed to integrate former terrorists back into society and prosecute those still involved in terrorism.
According to Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), the coordinator of the NCTC, the government allocated a total of ₦3.8 billion in 2023 to fund its counter-terrorism activities, including the rehabilitation of former militants. He confirmed that ₦2.4 billion of this amount was earmarked for the construction of Disarmament, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Centres (DDRR) aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism.
“Since the launch of the Operation Safe Corridor initiative, which allows for the voluntary surrender and rehabilitation of repentant terrorists, we have made great strides,” Rear Admiral Musa said during a briefing with the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence. He also emphasized the importance of providing former combatants with the opportunity for reintegration into society as part of a broader strategy for national security.
Despite these assurances, there has been widespread concern over the effectiveness of these efforts, especially in light of the continued insurgent activities in the country. The Nigerian military has been engaged in an ongoing battle against insurgents, including Boko Haram, which has plagued the northeastern part of the country for years.
A Billion-Naira Commitment: But Are the Centres Effective?
A significant portion of the allocated ₦1.4 billion has been directed towards the rehabilitation centres and facilities aimed at providing former militants with training, counseling, and reintegration programs. In March 2023, ₦612 million was spent to renovate abandoned structures into facilities for terrorism trials and dormitories for those undergoing rehabilitation under the Operation Safe Corridor program. Another ₦179 million was spent in 2024 to procure essential equipment to support terrorism prosecutions.
But the question remains: is this expenditure truly achieving its intended goals? Experts have pointed out that while these centres may serve to curb radicalization, the broader question of whether reintegrated militants will abandon violence remains unanswered.
“This is a noble approach, but what we’re missing is accountability,” said Dr. Chidi Okoye, a security analyst based in Abuja. “The government needs to do more to measure the success of these programs. Are the individuals leaving these centres truly rehabilitated, or are we simply creating a breeding ground for a more sophisticated form of terror?”
The Secrecy of Terrorism Trials: Transparency Under Scrutiny
While the rehabilitation efforts have attracted their fair share of controversy, the secrecy surrounding the trials of terrorist suspects has drawn even more criticism. The NCTC recently reported that it secured 325 convictions during the Phase 5 and Phase 6 trials at the Kainji Detention Facility. These convictions ranged from death sentences to life imprisonment, but the lack of transparency has raised red flags.
“The government has not provided any substantial explanation as to why these trials are being conducted behind closed doors,” said Aisha Buhari, a human rights advocate. “When the people are excluded from the process, it breeds suspicion and distrust. If the aim is to ensure justice and public confidence in the system, then transparency should be a top priority.”
Security experts argue that there are valid reasons for the closed-door nature of these trials, primarily the protection of national security and the safety of witnesses and the accused. “Many of these individuals are high-profile terrorists who have committed heinous crimes against the state,” said Lt. Col. Abdul Nasser, a retired military officer. “Revealing too much could jeopardize future operations and the safety of citizens.”
However, others believe the government has not struck the right balance between security and transparency. “While I understand the need for security, the public must also feel confident that these individuals are being held accountable in a fair and open manner,” added Nasser.
Government Defends Its Actions
The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Justice and the NCTC, has consistently defended its approach, asserting that the funds allocated to these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure national security and the eventual reintegration of former insurgents into society.
“The disarmament and rehabilitation of militants are critical elements of the country’s counter-insurgency strategy,” said Bello Umar, a senior government official. “The government is committed to providing these individuals with the tools and opportunities they need to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their communities.”
Umar added that the government is working closely with international partners and local communities to monitor and assess the progress of these initiatives. He emphasized that the decision to rehabilitate and reintegrate rather than simply imprison all insurgents was made with a long-term vision in mind.
“We are not only focused on punishing those who have committed terrorism-related offenses but also on preventing the next generation of terrorists from emerging. This is a comprehensive strategy that takes into account the root causes of radicalization, including poverty, lack of education, and political instability,” he stated.
Public Concerns and the Road Ahead
Despite the government’s assurances, the public remains divided on the efficacy and ethics of rehabilitating former terrorists. While some argue that this approach is a step toward peace, others remain unconvinced, pointing to the continued violence in many parts of the country and the ongoing threats posed by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
