The Federal Government has introduced a new operational framework aimed at improving the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former terrorists and individuals involved in armed violence.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a validation workshop on the Standard Operating Procedures for the DDR programme.

Laka said the initiative was part of government’s efforts to address insecurity through non-military approaches while promoting long-term peace and stability in affected communities.

He explained that the new procedures would provide clear guidelines for agencies involved in the programme, while improving coordination, accountability and transparency.

According to him, the framework was developed through consultations with relevant stakeholders and lessons from international best practices, alongside Nigeria’s security realities.

Laka noted that the SOPs would define the roles of participating institutions, establish uniform standards and strengthen the implementation of reintegration programmes in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states, where the pilot phase will take place.

He said the move became necessary because the existing DDR policy framework was insufficient to guide practical implementation.

The NCTC added that the programme would support efforts to reduce violence and promote sustainable peace in communities affected by terrorism and armed conflict.