BEVERLY HILLS, December 13, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has vowed to prosecute all Boko Haram terrorists with a holistic approach to strengthening the criminal justice system to serve as the most formidable weapon against terrorism.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), at the technical consultations on developing comprehensive approach to prosecuting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating former members of Boko Haram terrorists.
He stated that counter-terrorism measures are only effective when anchored within a rule of law and human rights framework maintaining that Nigeria is determined to win the fight against terrorism through its core national values, which includes respect for human rights as guaranteed by Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution and relevant international human rights conventions.
“Whereas violent do not respect human rights, and share no such values, we are committed to ensuring that every suspect charged with terrorism has a day in court,” he said.
“Nigeria is partnering with European Union (EU), United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and other relevant agencies to find the best approach to prosecuting, rehabilitating and reintegrating former members of Boko Haram.
“We are therefore looking beyond the ongoing counter-insurgency campaigns in the Northeast to the next phase where Violent Extremist Offenders (VEOs) who had either repented or had passed through the criminal justice process were rehabilitated and reintegrated back to the society.”
Story by Oputah David
