Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District of Borno State, Ali Ndume, has opposed ongoing Federal Government’s rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-Boko Haram fighters into the society.
Ndume in an interview on the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, asked the government to stop rehabilitating ex-Boko Haram fighters because they would never repent.
The lawmaker faulted the government’s efforts at reintegrating the ex-insurgents, saying the programme lacked sincerity as their victims have been left at the various IDP camps to fend to for themselves.
He said, “This government’s programme is unacceptable to our people. The right thing is to stop it, forthwith.
“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.
“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.”
The Nigerian military had in 2016 launched Operation Safe Corridor, an initiative for the de-radicalisation 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 programme in July.
Residents of Borno State have continued to kick against the reintegration of the ex-Boko Haram fighters, saying instead of bringing them back to the society, they should be taken to the Government House.