Six hundred and thirteen rehabilitated low-risk repentant terrorists will be transferred to their state governments for reintegration into the society.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, made the disclosure during the fifth Stakeholders’ meeting of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), in Abuja.
Represented by Chief of Defence Training and Operation, Maj. Gen. Adeyemi Yekini, the CDS said the 613 persons are currently undergoing deradicalization and rehabilitation, which are being handled by the OPSC.
The CDS also noted that the scheme was a multi-agency and humanitarian operation utilising the expertise of over 17 Services, ministries, departments and agencies, supported by local and international organisations and friendly nations.
He said, “It is also important to mention that upon graduation from the programme, each client will be provided some food and personal items, as well as a start-up pack according to the trade learnt during training to enable them set up small businesses and start a new life.”
Irabor recommended that the receiving state governments should provide necessary support to enable the ex-combatants to wade through the transitional and most challenging phase of their lives.
“We are optimistic that working closely with local and traditional authorities, the states can deploy security apparatus at their disposal to effectively track and evaluate the re-integrated ex-combatants.
“I must emphasize that it is critical for all stakeholders involved in the reintegration processes in order to mitigate, or completely eliminate incidences of recidivism,” the CDS said.
He added, “These sustained operations continue to put pressure and confusion within the ranks of the adversary causing many to surrender to the armed forces.
“As of today, over 83,000 insurgents and their family members have surrendered, while those captured have been tried and convicted to various jail terms by the law courts.
“As we speak, many more captured combatants are being held in several correctional facilities and their trial is ongoing.”
