A security expert, Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni, has backed the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate former terrorists, describing it as consistent with internationally recognised strategies for addressing violent extremism.
Mumuni’s comments come amid criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which argued that the move signals leniency and a weak security framework. The government recently announced that 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism would be reintegrated after completing the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
Defending the initiative, Mumuni emphasised that deradicalisation involves structured psychological, educational, and social reorientation, while reintegration allows for a controlled return to society under strict monitoring.
He pointed to global standards supporting such approaches, including frameworks by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Nelson Mandela Rules, which recognise rehabilitation as a key objective of incarceration.
According to him, well-managed reintegration programmes can reduce reoffending, address the root causes of extremism, and prevent prisons from becoming breeding grounds for further radicalisation.
However, he stressed that success depends on strict safeguards such as thorough psychological assessments, continuous monitoring, access to education and employment, and ongoing security evaluations.
Mumuni also cited international examples from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Norway, Denmark, and Malaysia, where similar programmes have recorded relatively low recidivism rates through a mix of counselling, vocational training, and community engagement.
He concluded that while reintegration is a proven strategy, its effectiveness in Nigeria will depend on transparency, rigorous implementation, and sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
