Brigadier General Yusuf Ali has defended the government’s support for repentant Boko Haram members, saying many people linked to the group were forced into it.
In an interview with PUNCH on Sunday, May 10, 2026, Ali said some individuals were abducted and compelled to fight for Boko Haram before later escaping. He explained that the rehabilitation programme is meant to help such people reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
Ali acknowledged that families who lost loved ones may feel hurt seeing former insurgents receive support. However, he said the government has also assisted victims of terrorism by rebuilding homes, hospitals, and other public facilities, while supporting families of fallen security personnel.
According to him, people forced into terrorism who later escaped should also be shown compassion because they are victims of the conflict as well.
Here’s what he said,
“If someone were abducted, forced into fighting for Boko Haram, and later managed to escape, what would be the appropriate response from the government?”….Read_More…