By: Kingsley Omonobi

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that 789 ex-combatants (repentant Boko Haram terrorists) are undergoing the De-radicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), with plans to reintegrate them into society and provide a fresh start.

Speaking at an OPSC stakeholders meeting in Abuja, General Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, emphasized the need for collaboration and open-mindedness in ensuring the programme’s success.

He stated that the 789 ex-combatants currently in the programme are scheduled to graduate this year and will receive personal items and start-up packages to assist in establishing small businesses and rebuilding their lives.

Operation Safe Corridor was established to rehabilitate and reintegrate former members of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who voluntarily surrender. Since the programme’s inception, over 130,000 insurgents and their family members have laid down their arms.

General Musa urged state governments to support the reintegration process by offering additional assistance and working with local and traditional authorities to monitor and track the progress of the ex-combatants.

“All stakeholders must be actively involved in this reintegration process to ensure lasting peace and security in our country,” he emphasized.

He expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as international partners for their continued technical and financial assistance.

Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, highlighted the programme’s achievements. Since 2016, OPSC has successfully processed 2,190 clients, including 2,163 Nigerians and 27 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic.

Brigadier General Ali outlined the meeting’s goals, which include: Ensuring all stakeholders are informed about the OPSC and DRR activities. Identifying affordable resettlement packages for clients.

He also revealed that the next group of ex-combatants will graduate in March 2025, after which they will be handed over to national and state authorities for reintegration.

Brigadier General Ali commended the OPSC team for their dedication and acknowledged the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Steering Committee, and partner organizations, which have contributed to the programme’s success.