A security expert, Amb. Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has defended the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate former terrorist offenders into society, describing it as consistent with globally accepted counterterrorism strategies.

Mumuni, in a statement, was reacting to criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which faulted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over its decision to reintegrate hundreds of ex-combatants, describing the move as evidence of a weak and incoherent security policy.

The Federal Government had recently announced that 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism would be returned to society after completing a deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

But Mumuni urged critics to approach the issue with objectivity, stressing that deradicalisation and controlled reintegration remain key components of modern counter-extremism frameworks across the world.

According to him, deradicalisation involves a structured process through which individuals previously engaged in violent extremism undergo psychological reorientation, education and social rehabilitation, while reintegration ensures their gradual return to society under close monitoring.

He maintained that such programmes are backed by international legal and institutional frameworks, noting that global bodies recognise rehabilitation as a critical component of criminal justice and counterterrorism efforts.

Mumuni cited the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as well as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which emphasise rehabilitation as a central objective of incarceration.

He added that instruments such as United Nations Resolution 2625 and the European Union’s counterterrorism strategy also acknowledge that some terrorist offenders can be reformed and safely reintegrated into society.

The security expert explained that well-structured reintegration programmes offer multiple benefits, including reducing the likelihood of reoffending, addressing the root causes of radicalisation, preventing prisons from becoming breeding grounds for extremism, and strengthening long-term national security.

He, however, cautioned that the success of such initiatives depends largely on strict safeguards and effective implementation.

“These programmes must be backed by rigorous psychological assessments, continuous monitoring, access to education and employment opportunities, and periodic security reviews. Reintegration should not be mistaken for automatic acceptance,” he said.

To buttress his position, Mumuni cited examples from countries that have successfully implemented deradicalisation initiatives.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s Custodial Care and Rehabilitation Programme has processed thousands of detainees through religious counselling, vocational training and family support, with reports indicating a high rate of non-reoffending.

He also referenced Indonesia’s post-Bali bombing rehabilitation programme, which combines theological reorientation, psychological support and economic reintegration, as well as Norway’s dialogue-based model and Denmark’s Exit Programme for individuals leaving extremist groups.

According to him, common features of successful programmes include individualised assessment, family and community involvement, job creation, credible religious guidance and sustained monitoring.

Mumuni stressed that Nigeria’s approach should be strengthened through transparency, community engagement and institutional accountability to ensure public confidence.

He urged stakeholders to focus on improving implementation mechanisms rather than politicising the issue, noting that sustainable peace requires a balance between firm security measures and carefully managed rehabilitation processes.

“Reintegration, when properly executed, is not a sign of weakness but a strategic investment in long-term stability,” he added.