The Federal Government has announced the reintegration of 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism into society following their graduation from the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
The beneficiaries, drawn largely from Nigeria’s North-East region, completed months of structured rehabilitation at the government’s facility, where they received psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation, and civic education to prepare them for reintegration into civilian life.
A breakdown of the participants shows that the majority—597—are from Borno State, alongside others from states including Adamawa (10), Yobe (58), Bauchi (12), Kano (15), and several others across the country. The group also includes eight foreign nationals from neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso.
Reports indicate that 733 of the rehabilitated individuals are Muslims, while 11 are Christians.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative is part of a comprehensive national strategy to combat violent extremism and foster sustainable peace.
Represented by Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, the Defence Chief emphasised that the programme should not be mistaken for amnesty.
“This is not an amnesty programme, but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, discourage extremist recruitment, and ensure long-term national stability,” he stated.
He explained that the initiative addresses not only the security dimension of insurgency but also its human factors, aiming to rehabilitate individuals and reintegrate them as productive members of society.
The Federal Government noted that the programme remains a key component of its broader efforts to counter insurgency, promote reconciliation, and restore peace in affected communities.
