Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, says the Nigerian government will not kill Boko Haram members who surrender and declare that they have renounced terrorism.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Bwala explained the Tinubu administration’s position on repentant terrorists, stating that the handling of such cases is guided by international conventions governing armed conflict.
He said that when a terrorist surrenders, the individual is taken through a comprehensive profiling process rather than being released immediately.
According to Bwala, the profiling process helps security agencies gather intelligence, understand the group’s methods of operation and strengthen counterterrorism efforts. He stressed that intelligence gathering is a critical component of security operations worldwide.
Bwala also said many Boko Haram members were forcibly recruited after the group abducted children from villages as it began losing fighters. He added that the government’s response is guided by the provisions of the United Nations Convention, not personal discretion.
He acknowledged public concerns over reports that some rehabilitated insurgents later returned to terrorism, referencing comments by the Borno State governor linking some renewed attacks to such individuals.
