The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has announced that 789 ex-terrorist combatants are currently participating in the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative. This was revealed during the OPSC Stakeholders meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Gen. Musa, represented by AVM Sayo Olatunde, emphasized that the initiative was established in response to the mass surrender of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province members due to coordinated military operations. He stated, “More than 120,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered since the inception of the programme, and the 789 ex-combatants are expected to graduate within the year.”
The meeting focused on strategies to reintegrate the first batch of 391 clients into their communities as part of ongoing de-radicalisation efforts. Musa commended the dedication of all stakeholders involved, acknowledging that while progress has been made, further work is necessary.
“The successes recorded so far are a testament to your resilience and commitment to duty,” Musa remarked, stressing the importance of continued collaboration among all parties to ensure effective reintegration.
Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, Commander of Operation Safe Corridor, explained that the programme, which began in 2016, has processed 2,190 clients, including 2,163 Nigerians and foreign nationals from neighboring countries. He detailed that between July and November 2024, 825 clients began their rehabilitation process, with some requiring further psychiatric evaluation.
The meeting aimed to finalize plans for transitioning current clients back to their state authorities, with graduation set for March. Musa urged state governments to engage actively in the reintegration process, underscoring the need for local and traditional authorities to monitor the reintegrated ex-combatants for a lasting peace and security in Nigeria.
