A delegation from the Nigerian Senate will soon meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demand an immediate halt to the policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant terrorists from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa, as they pose a 'major threat' to society and national security, and to formally convey to him the Senate's concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the country, and to pressure him to 'take more decisive measures to stop the wave of violent attacks across the country'.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attending a hunting festival coinciding with the deterioration of the security situation in the country (EPA)

This came after the Nigerian Senate approved a motion of 'urgent national importance' addressed to the president, submitted by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army Affairs, which spoke of 'the escalating terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and killings targeting current and retired military personnel across the country'.

Accordingly, everyone is awaiting the meeting between President Tinubu and the Senate delegation, which may result in a review or amendment of the policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating Boko Haram and ISIS fighters, known as 'repentants'.

Experts indicate that the new decision issued Tuesday by the Senate is merely a recommendation 'with no legally binding force on the president or the government,' but at the same time it is a political stance with significant impact, as it expresses consensus within the chamber opposing the program; thereby increasing media and public pressure on the president, who is preparing next year for a crucial presidential election.

Group photo of ECOWAS leaders during their summit in Abuja, Nigeria on December 15, 2024 (AFP)

The motion noted that 'the worsening wave of terrorism, armed robbery, and kidnapping across the country requires stricter measures,' instead of what it described as a 'reward policy' that terrorists receive when they lay down their arms and declare a 'doubtful repentance'.

Nigeria has faced an insurgency led by Boko Haram since 2009, which has caused heavy military losses and displaced millions of civilians from their villages in the north. Since 2016, the late President Muhammadu Buhari launched the 'Safe Corridor' program as an opportunity for 'low-risk defectors' from Boko Haram through disarmament, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and then reintegration into society.

The US team in the 'Joint Working Group' between Nigeria and the United States (Reuters)

Official reports indicate that more than 10,000 former fighters have benefited from the program, and that it has been expanded to include areas in northern Nigeria, the northeast and northwest, but the program has always faced sharp criticism, as it is viewed by public opinion as 'amnesty for terrorists' or 'reward for criminals' at a time when victims suffer without justice, in addition to the risks of these individuals returning to extremism. On the other hand, supporters of the program see it as a tool to weaken extremist groups and encourage defection, especially since the military solution alone has not ended the insurgency.

A soldier in Wuru village, Kwara State after a terrorist attack (AP)

Targeting Military Personnel

During his presentation of the motion, Senator Yaradua cited the killing of retired Major General Rabiu Abubakar by an armed group in Katsina State, a former director of defense information and a well-known figure. The senator said: 'The killing of Major General Abubakar and others at the hands of terrorists is not only a personal tragedy but a painful national loss that requires urgent action.'

Security deployment in the streets of Abuja on June 12, 2026 (Reuters)

The senator added that retired officers are vulnerable to targeting due to the sensitive responsibilities they held during service in operations, intelligence, and command. He warned that ongoing attacks on military personnel undermine troop morale and weaken public confidence in the state's ability to protect its citizens.

Strict Penalties

During debate on the motion, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpeya proposed adding a paragraph calling for the immediate halt of the policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating members of Boko Haram and ISIS, known as 'repentants,' and other terrorists and bandits, considering this policy the real reason behind the escalating pace of terrorist attacks and targeting of military personnel.

The new paragraph demanded 'the arrest of all terrorists, members of armed gangs, and other violent criminals, their prosecution, and subjection to the harshest penalties, instead of rehabilitating and reintegrating them into society.'

Nigerian soldiers walk past tanks ready for deployment in eastern Nigeria (Reuters)

Ikpeya said: 'The issue of insecurity has become a matter of grave concern to Nigerians. Among the files we must consider is the rehabilitation of Boko Haram and ISIS elements; so my additional demand is to stop their rehabilitation.'

For his part, Senator Adams Oshiomhole said the rehabilitation policy is 'illogical' at a time when 'victims of terrorism and families of deceased security personnel are still enduring the painful consequences of insurgent attacks.'

The paragraph received strong support from Senate members and was passed by an overwhelming majority. The chamber also approved other paragraphs including 'demanding security agencies intensify arrests and prosecutions,' 'strengthening oversight of security agencies,' and 'forming a delegation led by the Senate President to meet President Tinubu to discuss the security situation.'