SUNTV Global Channel | June 15, 2026
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has been urged to halt the continued granting of amnesty and reintegration programmes for so-called repentant terrorists and bandits, amid growing concerns over accountability and national security.
The call was made by the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PASNAFOSA), which argued that former terrorists should not be reintegrated into society without facing justice for their alleged crimes.
The group’s position comes in the wake of the reported death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who reportedly died while being held captive by kidnappers in Katsina State.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, PASNAFOSA described the retired military officer’s death as a national tragedy and called for intensified efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other security threats across the country.
According to reports, Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted while travelling through Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The retired officer reportedly died in captivity after suffering health complications.
The organisation said the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and a more aggressive response to criminal groups terrorising communities across Nigeria.
PASNAFOSA also called on the government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction and death of the retired general are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
Beyond the security concerns, the group expressed strong reservations about ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former Boko Haram fighters and other individuals linked to terrorist activities.
According to the organisation, many former insurgents have recently been reintegrated into communities in Borno State and other parts of the North-East without sufficient accountability for their actions.
“While recognising the importance of rehabilitation programmes where necessary, justice, accountability, and the protection of innocent Nigerians must remain the top priority,” the statement said.
The group warned that failing to hold perpetrators accountable could undermine public confidence in the justice system and deepen the pain of communities affected by years of terrorist violence.
PASNAFOSA maintained that any deradicalisation or reintegration programme must be accompanied by transparent accountability measures to ensure justice for victims and lasting peace for affected communities.
The call adds to the ongoing national debate over the government’s handling of former insurgents and the balance between rehabilitation, reconciliation, and justice in the fight against terrorism.
