The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has issued a fiery nationwide protest threat against the Federal Government’s controversial rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former Boko Haram fighters, describing the initiative as a “dangerous national security disaster” capable of strengthening terrorism across Nigeria.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group condemned the continued implementation of the government’s deradicalisation framework popularly known as Operation Safe Corridor, insisting that the programme amounts to “rewarding terrorists while victims suffer in silence.”
HURIWA warned that unless the Federal Government immediately suspends the programme within one month, it would mobilise coordinated peaceful protests across major Nigerian cities.
The organisation accused authorities of legitimising terrorism by allegedly providing rehabilitation packages, financial support, vocational training and reintegration opportunities to self-confessed insurgents while victims of attacks remain abandoned in displacement camps and poverty.
According to the group, the policy has become one of the gravest threats to Nigeria’s territorial integrity and long-term security architecture.
The association’s outrage followed disturbing allegations contained in a trending video involving an alleged beneficiary of the rehabilitation initiative.
According to HURIWA, the individual claimed that some surrendered insurgents receive as much as N3 million after passing through government-backed rehabilitation exercises despite allegedly admitting involvement in killings and terrorist attacks.
The statement further referenced explosive claims that some rehabilitated ex-fighters are allegedly transported to Algeria by politically connected figures for illegal mining operations under armed protection.
HURIWA said the allegations, if verified, could expose “a terrifying criminal-industrial network operating under the cover of counterterrorism programmes.”
Even more alarming, the group said, were claims that certain ex-Boko Haram members categorised as individuals who “cannot live without guns” were allegedly recruited into armed vigilante and counterterrorism structures after rehabilitation.
According to the association, such revelations raise fears that Nigeria may have inadvertently created “a revolving door of recycled insurgency.”
“A nation that rewards terrorists while neglecting victims risks encouraging future extremism because criminal actors may conclude that violence ultimately leads to negotiation, rehabilitation and financial benefits,” the statement declared.
HURIWA argued that the continued resurgence of attacks across parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa despite repeated claims that Boko Haram had been “technically defeated” raises serious questions about the effectiveness and transparency of the programme.
The rights group demanded immediate investigations by the National Assembly, DSS, EFCC, military intelligence authorities and international partners into all allegations surrounding the scheme.
Among its demands are the immediate suspension of Operation Safe Corridor, a judicial commission of inquiry into the rehabilitation process, public disclosure of the identities and monitoring status of rehabilitated insurgents, and prosecution of any former fighter linked to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
The organisation also questioned why victims of insurgency continue to suffer neglect while former insurgents allegedly enjoy government-backed support systems.
HURIWA maintained that true reconciliation cannot exist without accountability and justice, warning that any policy perceived as favouring terrorists over victims could deepen public anger and national distrust.
The group concluded by urging Nigerians, civil society organisations, youth groups, women associations and traditional leaders to prepare for lawful democratic action against what it called “a reckless experiment with national security.”