The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to reintegrate 744 individuals described as repentant terrorists under the Operation Safe Corridor programme.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said the policy undermines justice, disregards victims and raises security concerns.

The controversy followed the Federal Government’s announcement that 744 persons, described as former terrorists and victims of violent extremism, had completed a deradicalisation programme and would be returned to communities across the country.

The disclosure was made during a graduation ceremony in Gombe.

And presented by the military as part of efforts to address insurgency through non-kinetic measures.

Authorities maintained that the programme is a structured rehabilitation process involving psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation and civic education, rather than an amnesty. Beneficiaries, largely from insurgency-affected states in the North-East, including Borno State, also include some foreign nationals.

HURIWA, however, argued that the approach raises fundamental concerns about accountability and public safety.

It stated: “What the Federal Government has effectively done is to normalise the reintegration of individuals linked to violence into communities without transparent judicial accountability or justice for victims.

“This is not peacebuilding. It is a dangerous approach at a time when victims of terrorism continue to live with trauma.”

The group added that releasing such individuals through administrative processes, rather than judicial procedures, could undermine public confidence and the rule of law.

HURIWA further said the effectiveness of any reintegration programme should be assessed by the level of justice delivered, community confidence and assurances against a recurrence of violence.

It called for the immediate suspension of the programme and urged the government to provide full public disclosure of the identities, roles and risk profiles of those involved.