The Nigerian Federal Government has embarked on a controversial program of rehabilitating repentant terrorists while simultaneously prosecuting others, spending approximately N1.4 billion over an 18-month period. This initiative involves establishing rehabilitation centers and refurbishing existing facilities for terrorism trials. The program stems from the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in May 2022, followed by the announcement of plans for two dedicated deradicalization and reintegration centers in December of that year. The NCTC budgeted N2.4 billion for these centers in 2023, as part of its overall N3.8 billion capital projects. However, records indicate the Ministry of Justice’s spending focused primarily on renovating facilities for trials and constructing dormitories for the rehabilitation program known as Operation Safe Corridor (OSC).
A breakdown of the spending reveals a series of payments to various contractors. In March 2023, a significant disbursement of N612 million was made: El-haby Concept Limited received N286.7 million for renovating a building at Giwa Barracks for terrorism trials; Interprise Limited was paid N21.5 million for consultancy services related to the OSC facilities; and Fosab Global Energy Service Limited received N303.7 million for construction work on the rehabilitation center. Further payments followed in 2024, totaling N179 million. These funds were allocated to Jayjaysen Integrated Links Ltd and Estergel Ltd for computer equipment to support prosecutions, and to Fosab Global Energy Service Ltd for continued construction of the rehabilitation center. These expenditures highlight the government’s financial commitment to both prosecuting and rehabilitating individuals involved in terrorism.
Alongside the rehabilitation efforts, the NCTC has conducted closed-door trials of suspected terrorists. In December 2024, the NCTC announced the convictions of 325 individuals in Phases 5 and 6 of these trials, held at the Kainji Detention Facility. Sentences ranged from death to life imprisonment and lengthy prison terms. Phase 5, conducted in July 2024, resulted in 125 convictions out of 143 cases heard. Phase 6 saw 200 convictions out of 237 cases. Despite these announcements, the government has remained silent on any plans for Phase 7 trials. This secrecy surrounding the trials has drawn criticism and sparked debate.
The clandestine nature of the terrorism trials has raised concerns among security experts and civil society organizations. Critics question the lack of transparency, particularly given the gravity of the crimes involved. Lekan Jackson-Ojo, a security expert, argues that secret trials lack authenticity and contrast sharply with the public nature of trials involving other serious offenses. He questions the rationale behind concealing the proceedings from public scrutiny, especially considering the long history and devastating impact of Boko Haram’s terrorist activities in Nigeria. Chidi Omeje, another security expert, echoes these concerns, questioning the military’s involvement in proceedings that appear to shield the prosecution of individuals responsible for the deaths of their own personnel. He suggests that procedural complexities related to the large number of detainees might be a contributing factor to the secrecy.
Conversely, some argue that the secret trials are justified on security grounds. Kabir Adamu, a security expert, commends the government’s prioritization of these trials, acknowledging that many suspects have been detained for extended periods. However, he emphasizes the importance of adherence to standard procedures to ensure transparency and uphold the rule of law. This perspective highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and the principles of justice and transparency. The debate over the secrecy of the trials underscores the complex challenges faced by the Nigerian government in addressing the ongoing threat of terrorism.
The government’s dual approach of rehabilitation and prosecution represents a multifaceted strategy to address the complex issue of terrorism in Nigeria. The significant financial investment in both rehabilitation centers and facilities for terrorism trials demonstrates a commitment to both reintegrating repentant individuals and holding those responsible for acts of terror accountable. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the trials raises concerns about due process and the potential for abuse. This secrecy fuels public distrust and hinders efforts to build consensus on the best approach to counterterrorism. Balancing the need for security with the principles of justice and transparency remains a critical challenge for the Nigerian government as it grapples with the persistent threat of terrorism.
