The National Counter Terrorism Centre, under the Office of the National Security Advisor, has reported that at least 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters who have renounced violence have been successfully reunited with their families,Daily Trust reports.
According to the agency, none of the rehabilitated individuals have returned to combat six months after completing the deradicalization program.
Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, Head of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), shared this update during the second-day session of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum. Speaking at the third panel discussion themed “Managing Boko Haram Exits and Demobilization of Armed Groups,” she emphasized the importance of a unified strategy to help governors in the region address common security challenges.
ALSO READ: Dauda Lawal commends DSS over arms seizure, says ‘banditry is declining…
She highlighted that Operation Safe Corridor, a government initiative focused on deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration, has successfully reintegrated over 5,000 former Boko Haram combatants into society.
“Through Operation Safe Corridor, we have deradicalized over 5,000 ex-combatants and reunited them with their families. They are now applying the skills acquired during their six-month rehabilitation program to sustain themselves within their communities,” she stated.
She further noted that the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with traditional and religious leaders across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, has implemented a monitoring mechanism to track the progress of reintegrated individuals.
Additionally, she highlighted the success of the “Borno Model,” a state-led initiative designed to reintegrate former extremists into society. This model has significantly contributed to the federal government’s peace-building efforts.
“The ‘Borno Model’ was born out of necessity, and we have seen remarkable success, with many former fighters reuniting with their families,” she added.
She urged governors and stakeholders in the Lake Chad region to align their strategies to ensure a coordinated approach to reintegration and peacebuilding.
