FG gets Muslim scholars, others to help deradicalise convicted terrorists

The federal government is also doing all it can to ensure that the remaining Chibok girls are released, Samson Itegboje said - Itegboje, a Nigerian envoy, told the UN Security Council that the deradicalisation is expected to change the mindset of the convicted terrorists - He said the federal government is also working on assisting victims of insurgency The federal government has reportedly hired psychologists and counsellors to help with the rehabilitation and de-radicalisation of convicted Boko Haram terrorists. He News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of those hired include Islamic scholars who would help counter the indoctrination by extremists. The convicted terrorists are expected to be trained on aspects of dialogues and religious counselling.  The report quoted the deputy ambassador to the UN, Samson Itegboje, as recently unveiling the plan during a presentation of Nigeria’s statement to the UN Security Council on the recent visit of the deputy secretary-general, Amina Mohammed, and other top women officials of the UN to Nigeria. Itegboj reportedly said: “We are also working assiduously with the affected communities to design economic revitalisation prograrnmes targeted at people most affected by terrorism and violent extremism.” NAIJ.com learnt that he also assures the Security Council that federal government has intensified efforts at securing the release of the remaining girls. “Having regained their freedom, it is equally important that they regain their self-esteem and be assisted to return to their families and back to their schools. “Furthermore, emergency teams of psycho-social counselors and health professionals have been dispatched to the northeast to assist with the profiling of victims for appropriate therapies,” he said.  “In addition, the federal government has put in motion legal remedies for victims of Boko Haram terrorism in the form of r*pe and other sexual violence against children, abduction of children and other grave violations,” Itegboje said. NAIJ.com reported months ago that a global terrorism expert, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni has warned the federal government on the proposed plan to rehabilitate the surrendered Boko Haraam insurgents, saying; “real terrorists don't repent easily”. Reacting to the news of over 800 repentant Boko Haraam members who would be undergoing rehabilitation, Mumuni said it's only in Nigeria that some elements would claim to have repented, while the terrorists that matter are already strategizing their next attacks.