
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has announced that 789 former terrorist combatants are currently undergoing the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) initiative.
Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, AVM Sayo Olatunde, disclosed this at the OPSC Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. He explained that the programme was initiated in response to the mass surrender of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, a result of coordinated efforts by security agencies and other stakeholders.
He stated that more than 120,000 insurgents and their families had surrendered since the programme’s inception, with the current batch of 789 ex-combatants expected to graduate this year. The meeting, he added, was focused on developing strategies for reintegrating the first of two batches, consisting of 391 individuals, into their respective states.
Musa emphasized the need for continuous collaboration to ensure the programme’s success. “I must state that your relentless efforts and commitment to ensuring national security are highly appreciated. The successes recorded so far are a testament to your resilience and commitment to duty,” he said.
Despite these achievements, he stressed that much work remains, highlighting the importance of the stakeholders’ meeting. He called on state governments to facilitate the smooth reintegration of former combatants by providing additional support to ease their transition.
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