789 former Terrorists Undergoing Rehabilitation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s defence chief The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has disclosed that approximately 789 former terrorists are currently undergoing the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) initiative.
Speaking at the OPSC Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Musa who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Sayo Olatunde explained that the programme was launched in response to the large-scale surrender of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province members. This surrender, he noted, was a result of well-coordinated operations involving all relevant stakeholders.
He revealed that since the inception of the initiative, over 120,000 insurgents and their family members had surrendered. He added that the current group of 789 ex-combatants is expected to complete the programme and graduate within the year. Musa further stated that the focus of the meeting was to establish effective strategies for reintegrating the first of two batches of graduates consisting of 391 individuals into their respective states.
He emphasised the significance of the gathering, describing it as a crucial opportunity to assess progress in the de-radicalisation process, reflect on collective efforts, and develop strategies to address anticipated challenges. He said, “I must state that your relentless efforts and commitment to ensuring national security are highly appreciated.”.
“The successes recorded so far are a testament to your resilience and commitment to duty. However, despite these achievements, we must recognise that there is still much work to be done, which is why this stakeholders meeting is of great importance.”
He reiterated the presence of 789 ex-combatants currently in the DRR programme, expected to graduate within the year. He stated, “Today’s meeting will, therefore, focus on establishing modalities for the proper reintegration of the first batch of 391 clients into their states.”.
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The CDS urged state governments receiving the rehabilitated individuals to provide additional support to facilitate their smooth reintegration. He also expressed optimism that by collaborating with local and traditional authorities, states could effectively deploy their security mechanisms to track and monitor the progress of reintegrated ex-combatants.
He added, “I must emphasise that all stakeholders must be actively involved in this reintegration process to foster resilience. Let us not forget that the goal of this meeting is to ensure lasting peace and security in our country.”. In his remarks, the Commander of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), Yusuf Ali, described OPSC as a multi-agency humanitarian initiative that aligns with the Nigerian Constitution, International Humanitarian Law, and Human Rights Laws.
Mr. Ali stated that the programme, which began in 2016, has successfully processed 2,190 individuals, including 2,163 Nigerians and 27 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. He mentioned that all foreign participants were subsequently transferred to their respective national authorities for reintegration.
Between July and November 2024, a total of 825 individuals were transferred to the DRR camp to commence training, he added. “Among them are 14 foreigners from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.”He also noted that 22 individuals were later referred to the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri for further evaluation and treatment.
According to Mr Ali, the purpose of the meeting was to finalise arrangements for the smooth transfer of those currently in the camp to their respective national and state authorities following their graduation in March.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://www.crisisgroup.org/
