The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the armed forces to intensify counter-terrorism efforts and decisively dismantle the operations of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Tuesday, the civil society group also demanded an immediate end to the controversial practice of releasing detained Boko Haram fighters under the deradicalisation and reintegration programme.

HURIWA described the programme as unconstitutional and counterproductive, blaming it for the resurgence of deadly attacks in Borno State and other parts of the Northeast.

“We have consistently opposed this illegal and wicked programme of freeing detained Boko Haram terrorists after so-called deradicalisation and reintegration. This practice emboldens terrorists, boosts their morale, and expands their recruitment networks,” the statement read.

The group stressed the importance of prosecuting and convicting detained terrorists through competent courts, recommending death penalties as the appropriate judicial response for their crimes against humanity.

“Nigeria must stop this madness. These terrorists should face justice for their atrocities against innocent citizens,” HURIWA stated.

HURIWA’s statement comes on the heels of renewed terrorist attacks in Borno State.

On Monday, the state government confirmed the killing of 40 farmers in Dumba, a community near Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.

The attack, carried out by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters on Sunday, left several other farmers missing as survivors continue to reunite with their families.

A statement from the Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, revealed that investigations are ongoing.

“Initial reports indicate about 40 farmers have been killed, while many who escaped the attack are being traced,” he said.

Additionally, the Nigerian military confirmed the deaths of six soldiers in a gun battle with insurgents in the Damboa district of Borno State.

According to Major-General Edward Buba, the military killed 34 militants during the clash, which involved pre-dawn attacks by terrorists using trucks and motorcycles to ambush troops returning to their base.

Reacting to these incidents, HURIWA condemned the killings as “despicable, reprehensible, and absolutely intolerable,” urging the federal government to prioritize its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

The group also recommended financial compensation for the families of the bereaved, to be provided by both the Borno State and federal governments.

HURIWA reiterated its stance that the deradicalization program undermines the fight against terrorism and called for a more robust approach to ensure justice and deterrence.

The group emphasised the need for the Nigerian Armed Forces to sustain and escalate operations against the insurgents, ensuring lasting peace and security for citizens in the region.