The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has voiced strong criticism of the Federal Government’s amnesty programme for repentant terrorists, questioning its effectiveness as violent attacks escalate across the region.
The programme, launched in 2015 under Operation Safe Corridor, is designed to deradicalise, rehabilitate, and reintegrate former insurgents through psychological counselling, vocational training, and religious guidance.
As of 2023, over 1,500 individuals had reportedly passed through the programme, with 613 set for reintegration into their home states.
Between December 2022 and May 2024, approximately N1.4 billion was spent on the initiative and the development of trial centres.
Despite these efforts, critics argue the programme has failed to stem the tide of violence.
Recent attacks have devastated communities in Benue, Plateau, Borno, and Taraba states, resulting in the deaths of over 195 people in April alone.
In Benue, at least 56 people were killed during coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen in the Ukum and Logo local government areas.
In Plateau, 40 people died in the Zike community of Bassa LGA. Borno State witnessed 57 deaths in an assault by Boko Haram-linked militants, while in Taraba, 42 people were killed in the Karim-Lamido LGA.
Rev. Joseph Hayab, Northern CAN Chairman, questioned the rationale of rehabilitating former terrorists while neglecting victims. “People are afraid to share intelligence because they fear repercussions.
There is a serious trust deficit,” he told Sunday PUNCH.
Hayab expressed concern that the amnesty programme is undermining public confidence.
“Who has been prosecuted? Who is facing trial? The so-called amnesty only fuels distrust. Most of those who go through it end up returning as informants for the bandits,” he said.
He further criticized the government’s focus on rehabilitating perpetrators over supporting victims.
“Victims are abandoned while criminals are being rewarded. This approach will not build trust or end the violence,” he added.
