THE Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has defended Nigeria’s controversial deradicalisation and reintegration of former terrorist, insisting that those affected were individuals forced into insurgent groups against their will, and not hardened terrorists.
Speaking on Operation Safe Corridor, recently, Musa, a retied General of the Nigerian Army and immediate past chief of defence staff (CDS), explained that international law requires surrendered fighters to be treated humanely, adding that authorities carefully separate those forced into joining terrorist groups from actual combatants responsible for atrocities.
Musa noted that security agencies identified three categories of people emerging from insurgent camps- those conscripted under threat of death, those used as farmers and labourers by the terrorists, and the combatants who actively participated in attacks.
According to him: “The ones that were enslaved, the ones that were conscripted were forced into it. Not that it was a willing thing they did.”
He said many victims were compelled to join after terrorists invaded their communities and gave them a choice between joining the group or being killed, stressing that those found to have committed terrorist acts are not sent through the rehabilitation programme, but are detained, investigated and handed over for prosecution.
“We’re not rewarding acts of criminals. It would be stupid and foolhardy for us to do that,” he insisted, adding that those enrolled into the programme receive counselling, education and vocational training before being returned to their communities, while authorities continue to monitor them after reintegration.
He acknowledged the pain of victims of insurgency, but argued that reconciliation remains necessary for lasting peace, recalling how a victim lost nine family members to insurgents, but still expressed willingness to forgive if it would help restore peace in the region.
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