Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has revealed why repentant Boko Haram insurgents will not be prosecuted.
In his statement to the State Assembly during the introduction of the 2022 budget, Zulum stated that rebels will not be encouraged to surrender if they are tried in court.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we need Allah’s guidance and the greatest wisdom to work toward resolving the calamity that has befallen our precious state.”
“It would have been most proper to prosecute all of the criminals (insurgents), but if we insist on doing so, we would dissuade others who are eager to lay down their arms.”
“The terrorists’ ranks could expand, making our innocent fellow citizens, particularly those in local government regions, more exposed to attacks and abductions.”
According to the Governor, none of the rebels who surrendered to the military have been reintegrated into society since de-radicalization procedures do not mean that any insurgent “may kill today, surrender tomorrow, and walk away scot-free.”
Zulum further stated that those Boko Haram members wanting to surrender must immediately cease all attacks on citizens, security agents, and facilities.
The Borno state governor went on to say that the mass surrender of rebels is a “God-sent” chance that will at the very least lower the ranks of violent criminals.
According to him, the security forces are leading the de-radicalization processes, and the government is assuring disarming, severe profiling, and other essential steps that should review and ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the de-radicalization process.
He continued,
“However, we will never forget the feelings of those who have lost loved ones, homes, communities, and means of subsistence.”
“We must proceed with utmost caution in our peace-building efforts by adhering to the 16 resolutions achieved on August 29, 2021, when we hosted a multi-stakeholder security town-hall meeting, which critically evaluated and adopted parameters for us to approach rebel surrender.”
