VIDEO: ‘They May Have Erred, But Are Still Considered Nigerians’ — Defence Media Director Onoja Defends Boko Haram Terrorists
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, has defended the Federal Government’s rehabilitation approach toward Boko Haram terrorists stating that despite their actions, they remain Nigerians under the law.
Onoja made the remarks in an interview currently circulating on social media, where he addressed concerns surrounding the reintegration of ex-combatants under the so-called “Borno model.”
“In the books of law, at the end of the day, Boko Haram fighters are still considered as Nigerians,” Onoja said.
“They may have erred and definitely account for whatever they have done.
“Are we saying that on the fact of the account that they are Nigerians, if we have the opportunity to rehabilitate them, we should not?
“And I think that that was what went into the thinking of defence headquarters some years ago which was also bought by the Federal Government and the Borno State Government to arrive to the issue of the Borno model.”
Nigeria has battled insurgency from the extremist group Boko Haram for over a decade, particularly in the North-East region. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
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The “Borno model” refers to a state-backed initiative aimed at deradicalising and reintegrating repentant insurgents into society, a policy that has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some stakeholders argue that rehabilitation encourages defections and weakens insurgent ranks, critics insist that justice for victims must remain paramount.
