Surrender of Boko Haram fighters crucial to ending insurgency, says Lawan

Senate President Ahmad Lawan says Nigerians should encourage Boko Haram fighters to surrender as the development will end the insurgency in the north-east.

Speaking on Monday when he visited Abubakar El-Kanemi, Shehu of Borno, at his palace in Maiduguri, Lawan said the repentant insurgents who do not have a case to answer should be reintegrated into society.

The senate president said the federal government will continue to work with the Borno government to ensure that peace and stability are restored in the state.

“I want to take this opportunity to mention that the federal government of Nigeria will continue to work with the Borno state government to ensure that there is restoration of peace and stability in this state and in this part of the country,” he said.

“The recent surrender by Boko Haram elements is a good development for the security of this country.

“Personally I believe that the federal government must work with the Borno state government and other states in this part of the country to ensure that those that have been received are appropriately processed.

“Those that have no issues to answer are sanitised and taken back to their communities.

“Those that may have issues to answer should be taken through the legal process but we must ensure that we encourage Boko Haram elements and those they have taken by force to come out to surrender so that this unnecessary insurgency placed on us comes to an end.

“I want to assure you, your royal highness, that the national assembly and particularly the senate will work very closely with the Borno state government in this respect.”

The number three citizen also condoled with the Shehu of Borno on the demise of his elder brother.

On his part, the monarch said the insurgency has taken a toll on the people, adding that they are “lucky” to have President Muhammadu Buhari who has been able to curb the attacks of the insurgents.

He said the news that Boko Haram members are surrendering “is a welcome development” because Borno “is a home of peace and we are for peace”.