Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticised the reported reintegration of former Boko Haram members in Borno State, describing the move as counterproductive and a sign of governance failure.

Shehu made the remarks in a post on his official X account on Tuesday while reacting to a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) report that more than 3,000 former Boko Haram members and their families had been reintegrated into communities in the state.

He argued that the policy would not deliver lasting peace and could instead worsen the security situation.

“The reintegration of murderers, arsonists, vandals and wilful criminals is counterproductive and an admission of governance failure,” he wrote.

Shehu warned that the decision could have long-term negative consequences and may fuel further insecurity rather than resolve existing security challenges.