FG’s terrorist reintegration plan aligns with global best practice — Security expert

Renowned security expert, Amb. Abayomi Mumuni, has defended the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate former terrorist offenders into society, stating that deradicalisation and monitored rehabilitation remain globally recognised approaches to tackling violent extremism.

Mumuni spoke on Tuesday in response to criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which faulted the Tinubu administration’s decision to reintegrate nearly 800 former terrorists into communities. 

The opposition party described the move as an indication of leniency on terrorism and a lack of a coherent security strategy.

The Federal Government recently disclosed that 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism would be reintegrated into society after completing the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

Reacting to the development, Mumuni urged a measured, fact-based approach, cautioning against politicising the issue. He explained that deradicalisation is a structured process involving psychological, educational and social reorientation for individuals previously involved in terrorism, while reintegration entails their gradual return to society under monitored conditions.

He noted that international legal frameworks support such rehabilitation initiatives. According to him, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime endorses rehabilitation programmes, while the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, recognise rehabilitation as a core objective of incarceration.

Mumuni added that global instruments such as United Nations Resolution 2625 promote peaceful resolution and rehabilitation, while the European Union’s counter-terrorism strategy acknowledges that certain offenders can be reformed and safely reintegrated.

He outlined the benefits of structured rehabilitation programmes, including reduced recidivism, addressing root causes of radicalisation, preventing overcrowded prisons from becoming incubators for extremism, and strengthening long-term national security.

However, he stressed the need for stringent safeguards, including comprehensive psychological evaluation before reintegration, continuous community monitoring, access to education and employment, and periodic security assessments.

He warned that successful reintegration depends on rigorous vetting, transparent oversight and sustained community engagement, emphasising that reintegration should not be misconstrued as unconditional acceptance.

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To reinforce his position, Mumuni cited international examples. Saudi Arabia’s Custodial Care and Rehabilitation Programme, established in 1994, has processed over 3,500 detainees through religious counselling, vocational training and family support, with reports indicating high non-reoffending rates.

He also referenced Indonesia’s post-Bali bombing rehabilitation initiative, which integrates theological counselling, psychological support, family involvement and employment assistance, noting that it has managed over 700 participants with low recidivism.

Further examples include Norway’s dialogue-based rehabilitation model, Denmark’s Exit Programme for disengaging extremists, and Malaysia’s reintegration framework, which combines religious reorientation, family support and psychological evaluation.

According to Mumuni, the effectiveness of these programmes is driven by individualised assessment, community and family participation, job creation, sustained monitoring, and the involvement of credible moderate religious leaders.

He concluded that while deradicalisation programmes can deliver results when properly executed, their success ultimately depends on implementation quality and the prevailing socio-political context. He urged stakeholders to prioritise robust monitoring systems and community engagement, noting that sustainable peace requires a balance between firm security measures and carefully managed reintegration processes.