Public Affairs Analyst and Chief Executive Officer of Mother-Earth Foundation, Aminu Hayatu, has raised concerns over the reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members into communities, warning that many residents remain uncomfortable with the policy.
Hayatu made the remarks during an interview on News Central TV, where he reacted to ongoing debates surrounding the federal government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme for former insurgents. His comments come amid continued scrutiny over whether communities affected by insurgency are prepared to accept ex-fighters back into society.
Referring to findings from research he participated in, Hayatu said residents in Maiduguri had previously expressed strong reservations when repentant terrorists were returned to some communities. “If you look at it, there were times these repentant terrorists were brought back to some of the communities in Maiduguri. I was personally part of the research that actually got people of Maiduguri saying they are not comfortable having these people in their midst,” he said.
According to him, the resistance from residents reflects deeper concerns about trust, trauma and security, especially among communities that have suffered years of attacks linked to Boko Haram. He suggested that any reintegration effort must take into account the feelings of victims and host communities, rather than focusing solely on rehabilitating former fighters.
Hayatu’s remarks add to wider national conversations about balancing peacebuilding efforts with justice and public safety. Critics of reintegration programmes have argued that insufficient consultation with affected communities could undermine social cohesion and fuel fresh tensions…..See More
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