744 Repentant Terrorists Graduate From Federal Government’s De-radicalisation Programme

No fewer than 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism on Thursday graduated from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor.

A breakdown of the beneficiaries showed that two are from Abia State, 10 from Adamawa State, one from Akwa Ibom State, two from Anambra State, 12 from Bauchi State, 597 from Borno State, three from Ebonyi State, one from Enugu State, 15 from Kano State, three from Katsina State, one from Kebbi State, five from Kogi State, four from Nasarawa State, two from Niger State, two from Plateau State, two from Sokoto State, and 58 from Yobe State.

The group also included foreign nationals—one each from Burkina Faso and Cameroon, two from Chad, and four from the Niger Republic. Of the total, 733 are Muslims, while 11 are Christians.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Gombe State, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the initiative as a strategic intervention rather than a reward for violence. Represented by the Director of Special Operations Forces at Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, he said the programme addresses the human dimensions of insurgency and promotes sustainable peace.

“This moment is not just a ceremony; it is a statement of progress, a demonstration of national resolve, and a testament to the power of strategic thinking in addressing the human dimensions of conflict,” he said.

Oluyede emphasised that while military operations remain necessary, long-term stability depends on rehabilitation and reintegration.

“Operation Safe Corridor reflects Nigeria’s firm belief that while kinetic operations are essential to neutralise threats, lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the underlying drivers of extremism through de-radicalisation, disengagement, and reintegration,” he said.

He further stressed that the programme was not an amnesty initiative but a complementary strategy aimed at reducing recidivism and weakening extremist recruitment.

“This is not a reward but a deliberate approach to reducing violence, weakening recruitment pipelines, and fostering long-term stability,” he added.

Addressing the graduates, the CDS urged them to embrace a new path and resist any return to violence.

“Nigeria is giving you a second chance; do not waste it. You are returning not just to your communities, but to a responsibility to live peacefully, contribute meaningfully, and reject all forms of violence and extremism,” he said.

He also called on state governments and host communities to support reintegration efforts, noting that acceptance and monitoring are critical to sustaining progress.

Earlier, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brig. Gen. Yusuf Ali, said the programme was designed as a structured response to insurgency, combining military efforts with rehabilitation.

He explained that participants underwent comprehensive interventions, including psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation, educational programmes, civic education, and behavioural transformation.

“This process goes beyond disengagement; it is about rebuilding identity, restoring values, and preparing individuals to return as responsible members of society,” he said.

Ali noted that many of the beneficiaries were victims of coercion, abduction, or manipulation.

“Some were forced into the conflict, while others were drawn in by circumstances beyond their control. Today marks a turning point,” he said, adding that the programme offers them an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to national development.

He emphasised that reintegration is a collective responsibility involving governments, communities, families, and institutions.

Also speaking, the governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Yahaya, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters and Intergovernmental Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Musa, urged the graduates to make the most of the opportunity.

“You have been given a second chance—do not take it for granted. Become responsible, law-abiding, and productive citizens who will contribute positively to society,” he said.

Established in response to the Boko Haram conflict, Operation Safe Corridor has evolved into a multi-agency initiative supported by local and international partners. It focuses on reducing recidivism, weakening extremist ideologies, and promoting community-based reintegration.

The programme continued to reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable peace by addressing both the security and human dimensions of conflict.