FG to Reintegrate 744 Repentant Terrorists into Society

The Federal Government has announced plans to reintegrate 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism into society following their graduation from the de-radicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

 

The beneficiaries, drawn largely from the North-East, completed months of rehabilitation at the programme’s camp, which included psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation, and civic education.

 

Breakdown of the figures shows that the majority are from Borno State, with others from states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe, and several parts of the country. The group also includes a few foreign nationals from neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

 

Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb violent extremism and promote lasting peace.

 

He emphasised that the programme is not an amnesty but a structured approach to reduce violence, discourage extremist recruitment, and enhance national stability.

 

“This is not an amnesty programme, but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence and ensure long-term peace,” he stated.

 

The Defence Chief, represented by Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, noted that the initiative focuses on addressing the human dimension of insurgency and rebuilding affected communities.

 

Also speaking, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, clarified that the military has not recruited any of the rehabilitated individuals, contrary to public speculation.

 

Authorities stressed that the success of the reintegration process will depend on community acceptance, proper monitoring, and sustained support from state governments and local stakeholders.

 

The Federal Government urged the graduates to embrace the opportunity and contribute positively to society, warning against any return to violence.