Reintegrating former Boko Haram members is counterproductive, Mahdi Shehu says

Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticized the reported reintegration of former Boko Haram members in Borno State, calling it a dangerous move that signals a failure of governance.

Shehu made the remarks on his official X account on Tuesday after a Nigerian Television Authority report claimed that more than 3,000 former Boko Haram members and their families had been reintegrated in the state.

He argued that such a policy would not bring lasting peace but could instead worsen insecurity in the region.

“The reintegration of murderers, arsonists, vandals and willful criminals is counterproductive and an admission of governance failure,” he wrote.

According to Shehu, the decision could have long‑term negative consequences. He warned that it may lead to further security challenges rather than resolve existing ones.

He further stated that such actions would only spell greater doom for communities affected by insurgency.