No fewer than 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism are set to rejoin society following their graduation from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor.
PrimeTimes Nigeria learnt that the 744 beneficiaries, drawn largely from the North-East, including foreign nationals, comprise one from Burkina Faso, one from Cameroon, two from Chad and four from the Niger Republic.
The former terrorist underwent months of rehabilitation, including psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation, and civic education, to prepare them for a peaceful civilian life.
Speaking during the ceremony held in Gombe, North-East Nigeria, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Director of Special Operations Forces at Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, said the reintegration forms part of a broader plan to curb violent extremism and promote lasting peace.
Tanimu stressed that the programme is not a reward for wrongdoings but was designed to address the human dimensions of insurgency and promote lasting peace.
He emphasised that the success of the initiative will depend heavily on community acceptance, monitoring, and sustained support from state governments and local stakeholders.
He said, “This is not an amnesty programme, but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, discourage extremist recruitment and ensure long-term national stability.
“This moment is not just a ceremony; it is a statement of progress, a demonstration of national resolve and a testament to the power of strategic thinking in addressing the human dimensions of conflict.”
The breakdown of the former terrorists is as follows: two are from Abia State, 10 from Adamawa State, one from Akwa Ibom State, two from Anambra State, 12 from Bauchi State, 597 from Borno State, three from Ebonyi State, one from Enugu State, 15 from Kano State, three from Katsina State, one from Kebbi State, five from Kogi State, four from Nasarawa State, two from Niger State, two from Plateau State, two from Sokoto State, and 58 from Yobe State.
According to Vanguard, while 733 of the beneficiaries are Muslims, 11 are Christians.