Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has come under heavy criticism following his statement that only individuals “forced into terrorism through duress” are rehabilitated and reintegrated into Nigerian society, not combatant terrorists.
The comment, made during a chat with Arise News, has led to outrage among citizens who argued that the policy is both dangerous and insensitive to victims of terrorism.
“The terrorists we rehabilitate and allow back into Nigerian society are the ones who were forced into terrorism through duress and not combatant terrorists,” Musa said.
Minister Musa’s remarks have reignited debate over Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy, exposing deep divisions between government policy and public sentiment.
While officials defend rehabilitation as a pathway to peace, many Nigerians see it as a dangerous gamble that risks further insecurity.
After Nigerians watched the Arise News with the Minister defending why some terrorists were ‘forgiven’ despite numerous wanton killings, social media erupted with reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the practicality and morality of distinguishing between “forced” and “combatant” terrorists.
Ogashman (@Chidieb39911441) criticised Musa’s timing, asking why he remained silent when other officials previously referred to terrorists as “prodigal sons.”
Wizkid is the god of Afrobeat (@Don_El_Chapo) condemned the policy, arguing it encourages crime under the guise of duress.
Bøbběě (@fa4our) described Musa’s statement as “a word salad designed to justify a deadly policy.”
Kelvin Dey Check (@KelvinDeyCheck) insisted that “there’s nothing like a repentant bandit or terrorist,” noting that indoctrination from childhood cannot be erased by rehabilitation.
Governor (@AdekunleAb90798) questioned how authorities determine who was coerced, calling the policy “senseless.”
Baj-J (@BajJ20) and Dilichukwu1 (@Ekene_dili1) accused the government of double standards, pointing out harsher treatment of IPOB members compared to terrorists.
WUDI (@WudiSnipper) highlighted that even so-called non-combatant terrorists have burned schools and traumatised communities.
Humane (@omovikky) asked what has been done for the families of victims, suggesting rehabilitation rewards perpetrators while neglecting survivors.
Other commentators expressed frustration with what they see as government insensitivity, with some calling for harsher measures such as execution rather than reintegration.
Critics argue that the rehabilitation programme, known as Operation Safe Corridor, has failed to prevent recidivism, with reports of rehabilitated individuals returning to armed groups.
Many fear that the policy undermines the sacrifices of soldiers and erodes public trust in government security measures.
Some also raised concerns about fairness, questioning why similar leniency is not extended to other groups accused of violence or agitation, such as IPOB members.
