ADC Opposes Ex-Terrorist Reintegration Without Justice

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a warning regarding the Nigerian government's plan to reintegrate hundreds of former terrorists into society without ensuring prosecution. In a statement from their public secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed that such a move could send a detrimental signal to victims of terrorism and potentially encourage further violence.

The ADC criticized the government's approach, arguing that prioritizing rehabilitation over accountability undermines justice and could weaken public confidence in the fight against insurgency. They highlighted the importance of a clear framework for monitoring reintegrated individuals and ensuring that those deemed fit for reintegration are appropriately screened and prosecuted.

The ADC's concerns come in light of a recent report indicating that 744 individuals graduated from the federal government's radicalization rehabilitation program, which operates in safe corridors across states including Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Kano. Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede described the program as a strategy to address the drivers of insurgency and promote peace.