Maxwell Opkara, a human rights lawyer, has threatened to take legal action against the Nigerian Army over its reintegration of former terrorists into society.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Opkara described the programme as illegal and vowed to approach a federal court to halt it.
“I’m going to approach the federal court next week to stop this madness. It must stop,” he said.
Opkara questioned the rationale behind reintegrating individuals accused of terrorism without proper prosecution, arguing that it undermines justice for victims and affected communities.
He said security agencies often arrest suspects after risking their lives, only for them to be released months later under the guise of rehabilitation.
“The army apprehends terrorism suspects and hands them over for prosecution. Then after a few months, they say they have repented and want to reintegrate them into society,” he said.
He also raised concerns about where such individuals are being returned, noting that many of the communities affected by insurgency have been destroyed or displaced.
“Which community are they returning them to? The communities no longer exist. The people are in IDP camps,” he added.
Opkara further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate funds spent on the deradicalisation programme, describing the process as questionable.
BACKGROUND
His comments come amid reports that over 700 former insurgents have been deradicalised and are ready for reintegration under Operation Safe Corridor.
The military, however, has denied claims that beneficiaries of the programme are being recruited into security agencies.
According to the coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, the initiative focuses on deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former combatants into society.
Opkara insisted that committing a crime, whether under coercion or not, should not exempt suspects from facing the law, especially in cases involving terrorism.
He said the planned lawsuit seeks to compel authorities to follow due process and ensure accountability in handling such cases.