744 EX-TERRORISTS: ADC GUBER ASPIRANT ABORISADE SEEKS BALANCE, URGES STRICT SURVEILLANCE FRAMEWORK
A leading governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress in Oyo State for the 2027 elections, Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade (BANA), has called for a measured, security-driven approach to the Federal Government’s reintegration of 744 repentant terrorists into society.
Reacting to the development under the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation initiative, Operation Safe Corridor, Aborisade positioned himself on a middle ground, acknowledging the intent behind the programme while raising concerns over its long-term implications for national security.
The legal practitioner and political figure noted that although rehabilitation is recognised globally as a tool for conflict resolution, Nigeria’s peculiar security realities demand heightened caution, stricter post-rehabilitation protocols, and continuous monitoring.
He stressed that the reintegration process must not be treated as a mere administrative exercise but as a sensitive national security matter requiring deliberate oversight.
According to him, there remains the possibility that some of the rehabilitated individuals could still harbour traces of extremist ideology, which, if left unchecked, may pose risks to unsuspecting communities.
Aborisade maintained that trust should not be automatic but must be gradually earned and verified over time through observable conduct and compliance with societal norms. In this regard, he advocated for the introduction of modern tracking mechanisms, including electronic tagging, to ensure that the movement and activities of the rehabilitated individuals are closely supervised.
He further proposed a conditional reintegration model, where the affected individuals would operate under controlled freedom for a defined period of not less than two years. Within this timeframe, security agencies and relevant authorities would be able to critically assess their behavioural patterns and determine the sincerity of their transformation.
The ADC chieftain also cautioned strongly against the idea of absorbing such individuals into Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly the military and other sensitive institutions. He described such a move as potentially dangerous, capable of undermining internal security structures if not carefully handled.
Beyond government efforts, Aborisade emphasised the role of community participation in the reintegration process, calling for the involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local vigilance groups. He argued that sustainable reintegration can only be achieved when communities are actively engaged in observing, guiding, and reporting developments concerning the rehabilitated individuals.
While recognising that military force alone may not be sufficient to end insurgency, he insisted that any alternative strategy must be firm, transparent, and accountable, especially to victims who continue to bear the brunt of insurgent violence.
Aborisade’s position comes amid widespread public debate over the Federal Government’s decision, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the lack of clarity on post-reintegration monitoring and justice for victims.
Positioning his stance as one rooted in both humanitarian consideration and national security consciousness, the Oyo governorship hopeful concluded that the country must avoid extremes, urging authorities to adopt a balanced strategy that neither dismisses rehabilitation nor compromises public safety.
His intervention adds a political dimension to the ongoing discourse, particularly as stakeholders continue to weigh the benefits and risks of reintegrating former insurgents into civilian life.