By Boma West
The Senate’s call for the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for Boko Haram members has reopened a debate that many Nigerians believe should never have been ignored. The lawmakers also asked security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute terrorists and other criminals behind the killings and destruction across the country. The message from the Senate is clear. Justice must come before rehabilitation.
Many Nigerians have struggled to understand why people accused of carrying out deadly attacks could be enrolled in rehabilitation programmes while victims continue to mourn loved ones. Families have buried fathers, mothers and children. Thousands have lost homes, farms and businesses. Many are still living in camps after being displaced by years of violence. Such people often feel forgotten whenever they hear that former insurgents are receiving training, counselling and support.
Rehabilitation is not a bad idea on its own. Every society should believe that people can change. Many countries have programmes that help former fighters return to normal life. Such programmes can reduce the chances of violence returning. They can also encourage more fighters to surrender. Good intentions, however, cannot replace justice.
Justice is one of the strongest foundations of peace. A society that fails to punish serious crimes sends the wrong message. Criminals may begin to believe that they can escape accountability. Victims may lose confidence in the justice system. Communities that suffered attacks may also reject the return of former fighters if they believe justice has been ignored.
Nigeria’s biggest challenge today is not the absence of rehabilitation programmes. The greater challenge is insecurity. Terrorist attacks, kidnappings and banditry continue to threaten lives across many parts of the country. Farmers are afraid to return to their fields. Children have been forced out of school. Businesses have closed because people no longer feel safe. Citizens want stronger security, faster arrests and successful prosecutions.
The Senate was therefore right to remind security agencies that their first responsibility is to protect lives and enforce the law. Security agencies should not only chase criminals but also ensure that those arrested face fair and speedy trials. Successful prosecution sends a stronger message than endless promises. It tells criminals that crime has consequences.
The Senate also directed its security committees to strengthen oversight of the nation’s security agencies. That responsibility should not end with meetings and reports. Oversight should produce measurable results. Nigerians deserve to know how security funds are being spent, how many suspects have been arrested, how many have been prosecuted and what progress has been made in restoring peace to troubled communities.
Government must also remember the victims. Many families affected by terrorism still need medical care, counselling, education and financial support. Some children have grown up without parents because of terrorist attacks. Some communities remain abandoned years after the violence. Helping these victims should receive at least the same attention given to former insurgents.
The fight against terrorism requires more than military operations. Intelligence gathering, community policing, better border security, education and economic opportunities all have important roles to play. Prevention remains as important as response. Young people must not become easy targets for recruitment by violent groups.
Suspending the rehabilitation programme may satisfy public anger for now, but lasting peace will only come when justice, security and support for victims move together. Rehabilitation should never become a shortcut that replaces accountability. Those who committed serious crimes must answer before the law. Those who are innocent should be protected. Victims should be remembered, not pushed aside.
Nigeria has paid too high a price for terrorism. Citizens deserve a country where criminals fear the law instead of benefiting from it. That is the only path that can rebuild public trust and strengthen the nation’s fight against terror.
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