The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, announced that approximately 789 former terrorist combatants are currently undergoing the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme as part of the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) initiative.
Musa, represented by AVM Sayo Olatunde, the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, shared this information at the OPSC Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
He explained that the programme was established following the mass surrender of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) members, due to successful, coordinated operations by all stakeholders.
He further noted that over 120,000 insurgents and their families had surrendered since the programme began, with 789 ex-combatants expected to graduate within the year.
The focus of the meeting was to discuss plans for the reintegration of the first batch of 391 clients into their home states.
Musa emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with state governments to ensure a smooth reintegration process and urged local and traditional authorities to assist with security measures to monitor the progress of the reintegrated individuals.
He stressed the meeting’s role in fostering lasting peace and security.
Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, the Commander of OPSC, explained that the programme, which started in 2016, is a multi-agency humanitarian initiative that adheres to Nigerian constitutional provisions as well as international human rights laws.
He shared that OPSC has processed 2,190 clients so far, including 2,163 Nigerians and 27 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
He added that 825 clients, including 14 foreigners, were transferred to the DRR Camp for training between July and November 2024.
Ali also noted that the meeting’s goal was to finalize plans for the reintegration of clients back into their respective national and state authorities after their graduation in March.
