KANO, Nigeria – May 7, 2025 – Bashir Ahmad, former Special Assistant on New Media to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has publicly clarified his position on Nigeria’s controversial rehabilitation and reintegration programs for repentant Boko Haram fighters, sparking debate on social media. In a detailed statement posted on X at 14:57 WAT, Ahmad categorically denied supporting such initiatives, emphasizing his belief in harsher punishments for terrorists and highlighting concerns about the programs’ impact on victims and national security.
Ahmad’s statement comes in response to recurring accusations from some X users who claim he endorses the rehabilitation of former insurgents. “I have noticed that whenever I speak out or condemn Boko Haram and other terrorist atrocities, some people will camp in comments, accusing me of supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant members of these condemned groups. So, for the record, I have never supported such programs,” Ahmad wrote.
He acknowledged that Nigeria, like many countries, has adopted rehabilitation programs as part of its counterterrorism strategy, often guided by recommendations from international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and the African Union (AU). These frameworks encourage balancing security, peace-building, and human rights. However, Ahmad expressed personal opposition, citing the betrayal felt by affected communities, victims, and their families. He also raised concerns about the lack of robust monitoring systems, warning that some repentant fighters could revert to violence post-reintegration.
“I support harsher punishment for captured or repentant terrorists rather than using Nigerian money to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into our society,” Ahmad stated, underscoring his preference for punitive measures over rehabilitation.
The statement has ignited mixed reactions online. Some users praised Ahmad for his firm stance against terrorism, while others questioned his consistency. A user named Tobechukwu challenged Ahmad, writing, “I have not seen any of your tweets where u call out the government about this or even condemn this move.” The comment reflects skepticism among some Nigerians who demand more vocal criticism of government policies, particularly given Ahmad’s close ties to the Buhari administration, which oversaw the implementation of Operation Safe Corridor, a deradicalization and reintegration program for low-risk Boko Haram defectors.
Nigeria’s rehabilitation efforts have long been contentious. Launched in 2016, Operation Safe Corridor has processed thousands of former fighters, providing deradicalization training, vocational skills, and reintegration support. While the government claims the program has reduced insurgent numbers, critics argue it undermines justice for victims and risks recidivism. A 2023 BBC report noted that some reintegrated fighters had returned to violence, fueling public distrust.
Ahmad’s remarks also come amid heightened concerns about Boko Haram’s resurgence. An April 2025 Guardian report highlighted recent clashes in Borno State, suggesting the jihadist threat persists despite claims of degradation by Nigerian authorities. Public frustration with insecurity, coupled with economic hardships, has intensified scrutiny of policies perceived as lenient toward insurgents.
As debates unfold on X, Ahmad’s statement underscores the polarized views on Nigeria’s counterterrorism approach. While he seeks to distance himself from rehabilitation programs, his critics demand more evidence of his advocacy against them, particularly during his tenure as a presidential aide. The controversy reflects broader national tensions over balancing security, justice, and reconciliation in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
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