Boko Haram attacks may never come to an end in Nigeria unless the practice of reintegrating so-called “repentant” terrorists into society is urgently reviewed, especially in Borno State, which shares borders with Niger, Cameroon, and Chad.
The continuous acceptance and rehabilitation of Boko Haram fighters by both the Federal and State Governments is worsening the security situation rather than improving it.
They argue that no terrorist willingly abandons violence, and many of those who claim to have repented cannot be fully trusted to change their ways.
The recent wave of attacks in Borno and other parts of Nigeria has been linked to the reintegration policy.
Many believe that some of the individuals being welcomed back into communities are serving as informants for active Boko Haram cells still operating in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region.
These “repentant” fighters allegedly pass sensitive information to their colleagues, enabling renewed assaults on villages, travelers, and security forces.
Citizens are calling on the Borno State Government to take a critical look at the rising security threats and immediately halt the acceptance of former terrorists into local communities.
They insist that this policy is fueling insecurity and exposing innocent Nigerians to further danger.
Many residents argue that Boko Haram members do not surrender out of genuine repentance. Instead, they often give up due to pressure from military operations, hunger, or difficult conditions in the bush. Once reintegrated, some regroup and regain strength, ultimately resuming violent activities.
They warn that the reintegration program is empowering the insurgents rather than weakening them.
According to them, Boko Haram fighters will not cease their attacks as long as they know they can easily surrender and re-enter society without facing real consequences.
They therefore urge the Federal Government to adopt a stricter approach: any terrorist who wishes to surrender should be detained and prosecuted, not reintegrated.
They believe that imprisonment rather than reintegration would be a more effective way to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities, and restore peace in the region.
The citizens maintain that unless this policy is reviewed, Boko Haram terrorism will continue to thrive, and Nigerians will remain vulnerable to attacks.
