General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), announced that 789 former terrorists are currently participating in the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) program under Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC).
AVM Sayo Olatunde, representing the CDS, made the announcement at an OPSC Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja.
The DRR program was established to address the large number of Boko Haram and ISWAP members who have surrendered due to the combined efforts of security agencies and other stakeholders. Since its inception, over 120,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered.
The 789 ex-combatants currently in the program are expected to graduate this year. The Abuja meeting focused on strategies for reintegrating the first of two batches, comprising 391 individuals, back into their home states.
General Musa emphasized the importance of continued collaboration for the program’s success, acknowledging the stakeholders’ dedication to national security.
He noted the progress made but stressed that more work is needed.
He urged state governments to support the reintegration process by providing additional resources to ease the transition for the former combatants.