Crime

See the Billions of Naira Federal Government Allocates for Terrorism Rehabilitation and Trial Facilities

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 30th, 2024.

See the Billions of Naira Federal Government Allocates for Terrorism Rehabilitation and Trial Facilities

Over the past 18 months, the Nigerian government has earmarked about ₦1.4 billion for the rehabilitation of former terrorists and the development of terrorism trial centres.

This initiative follows the signing of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2022, which led to the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

In December 2022, the government revealed plans to set up two new centres dedicated to the disarmament, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of ex-Boko Haram members and other terrorist groups.

Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), the NCTC coordinator, informed the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that ₦2.4 billion would be directed towards these centres as part of the NCTC’s ₦3.8 billion capital budget for 2023.

Data from the GovSpend platform shows that between December 2022 and May 2024, the Ministry of Justice spent ₦1.4 billion on the rehabilitation centres and refurbishing facilities for terrorism trials.

This includes ₦612 million spent in March 2023 to renovate previously abandoned structures and build dormitories for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists under Operation Safe Corridor.

In 2024, an additional ₦179 million was allocated for similar projects, including the purchase of equipment for handling terrorism case prosecutions.

Meanwhile, the NCTC reported securing 325 convictions during Phase 5 and Phase 6 trials at the Kainji Detention Facility, with sentences ranging from the death penalty to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crimes.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the confidentiality of these trials. Security experts and civil society groups have questioned the decision to hold these trials behind closed doors, citing the serious nature of the charges involved.

While some argue that transparency is essential for maintaining public trust, others believe that secrecy is necessary for security reasons. The government has yet to offer a detailed explanation

for this approach.