RismadarVoice Reporters, April 25, 2026
A human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara, has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to halt the reintegration of repentant insurgents into society.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/837/2026, Opara listed Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
The plaintiff is asking the court to restrain the Nigerian military from continuing with its reintegration programme for former insurgents, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
He also urged the court to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate criminal proceedings against over 700 alleged former members of the Boko Haram, in line with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Opara, in the originating summons filed on April 23, further sought an order directing the Nigerian Army to suspend its Operation Safe Corridor programme, which is designed for the deradicalisation and reintegration of former insurgents.
The lawyer is asking the court to determine whether the reintegration of the individuals without prior prosecution, trial, or conviction is consistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws.
He is also seeking a declaration that granting reintegration without judicial process amounts to a violation of the rule of law and due process.
In addition, Opara argued that the Nigerian Army and the Attorney-General lack the legal authority to grant what he described as “de facto immunity” or amnesty to individuals accused of terrorism and other serious crimes without legislative backing and judicial oversight.
He further contended that the release and reintegration of the insurgents constitute a breach of the doctrine of separation of powers and an encroachment on judicial authority.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, the lawyer stated that more than 700 individuals identified as former insurgents had been released under the programme without undergoing criminal prosecution.
He argued that many of the individuals were suspected of having been involved in acts of terrorism, murder, and kidnapping, adding that failure to prosecute such cases could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Opara also warned that reintegrating untried individuals poses a potential threat to public safety and could infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights to life, dignity, and personal liberty.
He urged the court to intervene in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law.
As of the time of filing this report, no judge has been assigned to hear the case.
