In the wake of over 130,000 terrorists surrendering to Nigerian authorities, Operaton Safe Corridor (OPSC) has intensified efforts to reintegrate rehabilitated individuals into society.
At a high-level stakeholders meeting held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, officials deliberated on the transfer of rehabilitated persons to their respective national and state governments.
Coordinator of OPSC, Brig. General Y. Ali, emphasized that since the program’s inception in 2016, 2,190 clients, including foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso have been successfully processed.
He noted that between July and November 2024, 825 new clients joined the DRR (De-radicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration) Camp for training, further highlighting the scale of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
The meeting, attended by representatives from federal agencies, security services, 24 state governments, and international partners, focused on developing a seamless transfer process for rehabilitated individuals set to graduate in March 2025. Key discussion points included reintegration strategies, resettlement packages, community sensitization, and post-rehabilitation monitoring.
Brig. Gen. Ali commended the Chief of Defence Staff, relevant ministries, and humanitarian agencies for their continued support, particularly in providing food and startup packs for reintegrated individuals.
He reiterated the commitment of OPSC to global best practices in counterinsurgency, ensuring that former combatants are adequately prepared for civilian life.
With over 130,000 insurgents now surrendered, OPSC’s role in de-radicalization and rehabilitation remains crucial in the nation’s broader efforts to restore peace and security in the Northeast and beyond.