How to handle repentant Boko Haram members
After the death of the dreaded Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, Nigerian troops have recorded an unprecedented victory in the decade-long war against the extremists. This made thousands of Boko Haram fighters to down their weapons and surrender to the Nigerian military. The prevalent surrender of this militia seems to be putting government in a […]
‘Repentant’ Boko Haram terrorists received by security personnel
After the death of the dreaded Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, Nigerian troops have recorded an unprecedented victory in the decade-long war against the extremists.
This made thousands of Boko Haram fighters to down their weapons and surrender to the Nigerian military. The prevalent surrender of this militia seems to be putting government in a dilemma.
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Evidently, Borno State Governor Umar Zulum made an issue of it. It is a no-brainer for the Nigerian government to seek the services of those with efficient knowledge of human behaviour (sociologist and psychologist) in managing and controlling these repentant Boko Haram members, which is the easiest and obvious solution.
The surrendered militia must not be used as political tools. It’s obvious that most of them were brainwashed by some dubious elements into thinking they were in the service of God (Jihad). This makes their reorientation a daunting task which demands sincerity and absolute commitment.
However, surrendered members of the terrorist sect require more than what the government puts them through in the name of rehabilitation. It is not news that most times repentant terrorists return to their racket of terrorism in the Northeast, as a result of the government’s failure to hire sociologist to help them live a normal life in the society again.
Finally, if the authority concerned can take heed to the aforementioned measures, it would help in shaping the behavior of the repentant/surrendered terrorists.
Mallam Musbahu Magayaki
Bauchi State.