The Federal Government yesterday stated that the insurgents who surrendered their weapons to the Nigerian troops would be deradicalised and rehabilitated.
The Nigerian military recorded a huge success on Tuesday when it killed a man who has been appearing in recent videos, claiming to be the leader of the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, in a gun battle.
The man, identified as Mohammed Bashir, died when government troops defending the northeastern town of Konduga killed some top Boko Haram commanders in an attack on a convoy of rebel vehicles.
Following the killing of their commander, some insurgents surrendered themselves to the Nigerian troops, and pleaded for mercy after surrendering their weapons.
Speaking on their fate during a press conference in Abuja, the Coordinator of National Information Centre, NIC, Mr. Mike Omeri, ruled out the possibility of prosecuting them. He said there were measures in the counter- terrorism document launched by government, and it would be strictly followed.
According to him, those who surrendered would be taken thorough the process of de-radicalisation and rehabilitation, while those who refused would surely be dealt with.
“Those terrorists who surrendered their arms and embrace peace will undergo the process of de-radicalisation and rehabilitation so that they will be admitted into the society and given the opportunity to also continue contributing their own quota to the development of this country.
“But to those who insist in carrying arms against their country, against their fellow citizens, will have themselves to blame.
“I want to urge citizens to be steadfast in their support to our servicemen and women; we are working hard, day and night, to ensure that we put terrorism behind us in Nigeria.
“The armed forces have found the winning strategies, and they will not go back in making sure that adequate security is provided for every single Nigerian,” Omeri assured. – National Mirror.
