The Federal Government has confirmed plans to reintegrate 744 former insurgents into society following their completion of a deradicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East, where insurgency linked to Boko Haram has persisted since 2009.
According to officials, the beneficiaries—drawn from states including Borno, Yobe, Kano, and Adamawa—underwent months of rehabilitation. The programme included psychological counselling, vocational training, and civic reorientation aimed at preparing them for a return to civilian life.
Authorities described the effort as a key component of a broader national security strategy that combines military operations with non-kinetic approaches to reduce violence and discourage extremist recruitment.
The Defence Headquarters noted that similar exercises have been conducted in the past, including a 2021 batch involving over 600 individuals, indicating a sustained approach to deradicalisation.
However, officials emphasised that the long-term success of the programme depends largely on community acceptance and proper monitoring of those being reintegrated.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, clarified that the initiative should not be mistaken for amnesty, but rather a structured intervention designed to promote stability.
“This is not an amnesty programme but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence and ensure long-term national security,” he stated.
The development has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some supporting rehabilitation efforts, while others have raised concerns about safety and accountability.
