The Federal Government has commenced the reintegration of 744 former insurgents into society following their completion of a deradicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State.
The initiative, announced on April 17, 2026, is part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to restore stability in the North-East, a region affected by the insurgency of Boko Haram since the 2009 uprising.
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 education designed to prepare them for a return to civilian life.
Authorities described the move as part of a broader national security strategy that blends military operations with non-kinetic approaches aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism.
The Defence Headquarters noted that similar reintegration exercises have taken place in previous years, including a 2021 batch involving over 600 participants, highlighting a sustained commitment to the Safe Corridor initiative.
Officials emphasised that the long-term success of the programme depends heavily on community acceptance, proper monitoring, and ongoing support from local stakeholders.
Addressing public concerns, the government clarified that the initiative is not an amnesty scheme but a structured rehabilitation process intended to reduce the likelihood of former extremists returning to violence.
Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, reiterated this stance, stating that the programme is a deliberate effort to curb insurgency, discourage recruitment into extremist groups, and promote lasting national stability.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
