Zamfara, Borno Budgets Spark Debate as States Allocate Billions for Cemeteries and Rehabilitation of Repentant Terrorists
Ayo Marvel 
The Zamfara State Government has allocated N1 billion in its 2025 budget for the construction of cemeteries, reflecting growing concerns over public health, urban planning, and the need for organized burial facilities across the state.
In the same budget cycle, Zamfara State also earmarked N200 million for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists, a move aimed at encouraging surrender, reducing violence, and supporting peace-building efforts in communities affected by prolonged insecurity.
Similarly, the Borno State Government allocated a significantly larger sum of N2.6 billion in its 2025 budget for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists.
The allocation aligns with Borno’s long-standing non-kinetic strategy focused on deradicalization, skills acquisition, and reintegration of former insurgents into society.
State governments involved have maintained that rehabilitation programs are essential to achieving lasting peace, arguing that military action alone cannot resolve deep-rooted security challenges. They say such initiatives are designed to reduce recidivism, restore stability, and rebuild conflict-affected communities.
However, the budgetary allocations have sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some see them as necessary steps toward peace and reconciliation, others have raised concerns about prioritizing funds for repentant terrorists amid pressing needs such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and support for victims of insecurity.
As the 2025 fiscal year approaches, these allocations continue to fuel national conversations around security policy, accountability, and how best to balance justice, development, and long-term peace in conflict-prone regions of the country.
About the Author
Ademola Busayo 
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 