Nigeria’s Federal Government is set to reintegrate 744 former terrorists into society after they completed a deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
The individuals, described as “repentant terrorists” and victims of violent extremism, graduated from the government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) camp after undergoing months of structured intervention.
According to officials, the programme is part of a broader strategy aimed at tackling insurgency beyond military force, focusing instead on long-term peacebuilding and reducing extremist recruitment.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff emphasized that the initiative is not a reward for wrongdoing, but a calculated effort to stabilize conflict-affected regions.
He explained that while military operations remain necessary, lasting peace depends on addressing the root causes of extremism through rehabilitation and reintegration.
Most of the beneficiaries are from the North-East, particularly Borno State, which recorded the highest number. The group also includes a few foreign nationals from neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
During their time in the programme, participants received psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation, and civic education aimed at preparing them for civilian life.
Authorities say the success of the reintegration effort will depend heavily on community acceptance, monitoring, and continued support from state governments and local stakeholders.
The government has also urged the rehabilitated individuals to embrace their second chance and avoid returning to violence, stressing that they now have a responsibility to contribute positively to society.
The move reflects Nigeria’s growing shift toward combining military action with non-kinetic approaches in addressing insurgency — a strategy officials believe is key to achieving lasting peace.