The Federal Government has allocated approximately N1.4 billion over the past year and a half to support the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and the development of terrorism trial centres. This funding comes as part of the government’s efforts to address the challenges posed by terrorism and promote rehabilitation and reintegration.
The establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) followed the assent of former President Muhammadu Buhari to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill on May 12, 2022. As part of its mandate, the NCTC was tasked with overseeing initiatives aimed at countering terrorism and aiding the rehabilitation of former Boko Haram members and other terrorists. In December 2022, the government announced plans to set up two disarmament, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration centres, which are central to the government’s broader counter-terrorism strategy.
Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), the coordinator of the NCTC, confirmed that N2.4 billion would be allocated to these centres as part of the NCTC’s N3.8 billion capital projects for 2023. This was confirmed during a report to the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence. Between December 2022 and May 2024, the Ministry of Justice spent N1.4 billion on the centres, including N612 million in March 2023 for the renovation of facilities for terrorism trials and the construction of dormitories for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists under Operation Safe Corridor.
In 2024, an additional N179 million was allocated to similar projects, which also included the procurement of equipment for aiding terrorism case prosecutions. This funding is part of the broader national efforts to combat terrorism and ensure that those who have renounced violence are properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
Meanwhile, the NCTC has secured 325 convictions during the Phase 5 and Phase 6 trials at the Kainji Detention Facility. Convictions ranged from the death penalty to life imprisonment, with sentences varying depending on the severity of the crimes committed.
However, these trials have raised concerns due to their secretive nature. Security experts and civil society organizations have questioned why such high-profile cases are being conducted behind closed doors, especially considering the serious nature of the crimes involved. While some argue that transparency is essential to maintain public trust, others believe that secrecy is necessary for security reasons. The government has not yet provided a definitive explanation for this approach, leaving room for further debate on the issue.
