The National Counter Terrorism Centre, under the Office of the National Security Advisor, has announced that at least 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters have been successfully reunited with their families. This development follows their participation in a six-month deradicalization program, with officials confirming that none of the ex-combatants returned to active conflict during this period.
Amb. Mairo Musa Abbas, head of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), shared this information during the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum. She emphasized the importance of a harmonized strategy among the governors of the Lake Chad region to address shared challenges related to Boko Haram and other armed groups.
The deradicalization initiative, known as Operation Safe Corridor, has been pivotal in reintegrating these individuals into society. Abbas noted that the ex-combatants are now applying skills acquired during their stay in the program to support themselves within their communities.
To monitor the progress of these reintegrated individuals, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) collaborates with traditional and religious leaders across Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
Abbas also highlighted the success of the “Borno Model,” a state-led strategy aimed at rehabilitating those who have distanced themselves from extremist organizations. This model has reportedly complemented federal efforts to foster peace and stability in the region.
She urged the governors and stakeholders in the Lake Chad area to unify their strategies to enhance the effectiveness of their initiatives against extremism.