A Borno State indigene, Enoch Yohanna, whose father was killed by Boko Haram insurgents, has made shocking allegations against the Federal Government regarding the treatment of repentant terrorists.
According to Yohanna, the Nigerian government is reportedly giving rehabilitated Boko Haram members financial payouts of up to ₦3 million naira, in addition to placing them on a monthly salary of ₦50,000.
A Son’s Pain and Frustration
Speaking in a now-viral video, the visibly emotional Yohanna expressed his frustration over what he describes as preferential treatment given to former terrorists while victims and their families receive little to no support.
“My father was killed by these same people,” Yohanna stated. “Now the government is giving them millions of naira and putting them on monthly salaries while we, the victims, are left to suffer.”
The De-radicalization Programme Under Scrutiny
The Federal Government’s de-radicalization and rehabilitation programme, known as “Operation Safe Corridor,” was established to reintegrate repentant Boko Haram members back into society. The initiative, run by the military, aims to provide vocational training, psychological support, and basic education to former insurgents who voluntarily surrender.
However, the alleged financial benefits attached to the programme have raised serious questions among Nigerians, particularly those who have lost loved ones to insurgency.
Questions Many Nigerians Are Asking
The allegations have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s priorities:
– Why should former terrorists receive substantial financial rewards while victims struggle?
– What message does this send to those who have remained law-abiding despite hardship?
– Are there similar support packages for victims of Boko Haram attacks?
– Could such generous payments inadvertently encourage others to join insurgent groups, knowing they can later “repent” and receive benefits?
The Other Side of the Argument
Supporters of the rehabilitation programme argue that reintegrating former fighters is crucial for long-term peace in the North East. They contend that providing economic support helps prevent relapse into terrorism and reduces the pool of potential recruits for insurgent groups.
Some security experts also maintain that intelligence gathered from repentant members has been valuable in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The Victims’ Plight
While the debate continues, what remains clear is that victims of Boko Haram attacks often receive inadequate support. Many have been displaced from their homes, lost breadwinners, and struggle daily with trauma and economic hardship.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states are filled with people who have lost everything to the insurgency, yet comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation programmes for these victims remain largely absent.
Government Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, the Federal Government has not issued an official statement addressing Yohanna’s specific allegations about the ₦3 million payout and ₦50,000 monthly salary.
What This Means for Nigeria
This controversy highlights a broader challenge facing Nigeria’s approach to ending insurgency in the North East. While de-radicalization may be necessary, questions about justice, equity, and the welfare of victims must be addressed.
As one social media user aptly put it: “How do you heal a nation when the victims feel more abandoned than the perpetrators?”
The Federal Government may need to provide greater transparency about the rehabilitation programme and ensure that victims of terrorism receive equal, if not greater, attention and support.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Should repentant Boko Haram members receive financial support? What about the victims? Share your views in the comments section below.
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