Istifanus Gyang, the senator representing Plateau North says the bill seeking to create an agency for repentant Boko Haram terrorists is as an insult to Nigerians.
Senator Gyang in a statement in Jos on Sunday, February 23, said the bill has negative implications for the security of the country and called on the Senate to reject it.
He said the bill was an assault on the sensibility of Nigerians in view of the fact that most victims and communities affected by insurgency, banditry and other violent attacks have not gotten the needed support from the government.
Earlier, The Herald reported that the Senate on Thursday made moves to establish an agency that would see to the rehabilitation, deradicalisation and integration of repentant insurgents in the country.
A bill, sponsored by Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe East senatorial district, was read for the first time on the floor of the Senate. It was learnt that the bill will also offer concession to Boko Haram militants who choose to cease fire.
It was also reported that the military authority said no fewer than 608 repentant Boko Haram insurgents are currently undergoing De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) Programme by Operation Safe Corridor (OSC) at Malam-Sidi, Gombe State.
Brig:- Gen. Musa Ibrahim, Commandant DRR Camp OSC made this known when the Managing Director, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Alkali, visited the camp on Saturday.
Ibrahim stated that 14 of the repentant insurgents were foreigners from Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.
Ibrahim said: “from inception we received 893 out of which 286 graduated and were returned to their respective states and countries for reintegration.”
He said the personnel in the camp were working diligently with the mandate of OSC in conformity with international best practices.
According to him, the success of the programme will go a long way in restoring peace and security to the North East in particular and the country as a whole.
Ibrahim said the programme was in need of five Hilux vans, additional vocational center, accommodation for camp staff and clients, and prompt release of funds to run the power generator among others.
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