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The Federal Government has commenced the reintegration of 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism into society following their graduation from the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor.
Speaking at the ceremony in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb insurgency and promote lasting peace, stressing that the programme is not a reward for criminality.
He explained that the beneficiaries, drawn largely from the North-East, underwent months of rehabilitation, including psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation and civic education to prepare them for reintegration into civilian life.
According to the breakdown, the majority of the graduates are from Borno and Yobe states, with others drawn from various parts of the country, as well as a few foreign nationals from neighbouring countries.
Represented by Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, Oluyede described the programme as a strategic response to the human dimensions of conflict, aimed at reducing extremist recruitment and fostering long-term national stability.
“This is not an amnesty programme, but a deliberate effort to discourage violence and build sustainable peace,” he said.
Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Yusuf Ali, dismissed claims that repentant terrorists were being recruited into the military, clarifying that the initiative strictly focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration.
He noted that public misunderstanding of the programme has contributed to misinformation, emphasising that its goal is to rebuild communities affected by insurgency.
Authorities, however, said the success of the reintegration process will depend largely on community acceptance, continuous monitoring and support from state governments and local stakeholders.
The Federal Government urged the graduates to embrace their second chance and contribute positively to society, warning against any return to violence.
