Naija247news reports that at least 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters have been successfully reintegrated into society after completing the Federal Government’s deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DRR) program under Operation Safe Corridor.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that none of the ex-combatants have returned to the battlefield six months after their reintegration, according to the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA).
Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, Head of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), disclosed this at the second-day session of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum. She emphasized that the initiative is designed to provide repented fighters with skills that enable them to sustain themselves within their communities.
“Under Operation Safe Corridor, we have deradicalized over 5,000 ex-combatants of Boko Haram and reunited them with their families,” Abbas said. “They are using the skills acquired during the six-month program to sustain themselves within their communities.”
Naija247news understands that a robust monitoring mechanism is in place to track the progress of these reintegrated individuals. This system is supported by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which operates across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas in collaboration with traditional and religious leaders.
According to Naija247news, the reintegration efforts align with the Borno Model—a state-led strategy focused on rehabilitating individuals who voluntarily disengage from extremist groups. Abbas noted that this model has complemented federal efforts in fostering peace and reducing insecurity in the country.
“We always said the Borno Model is a model of necessity, but we have recorded a lot of success with it because many repented fighters have been reunited with their families,” she stated.
Naija247news reports that the reintegration of former insurgents remains a subject of debate among stakeholders. While proponents argue that deradicalization is crucial for sustainable peace, critics express concerns over the potential risks of reintegrating individuals with extremist backgrounds.
Security analysts emphasize that the success of Operation Safe Corridor depends on continuous monitoring, community acceptance, and economic empowerment for the ex-combatants. Naija247news gathered that authorities are working closely with local communities to ensure that the reintegration process contributes to long-term stability.
