The announcement was made during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with OPSC officials at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja
At least 117 former terrorists have successfully completed the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) in Borno State.
The announcement was made during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with OPSC officials at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday, Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said OPSC Coordinator Y.
Ali disclosed that the rehabilitated individuals underwent the programme at Mallam Sidi Camp. The meeting was aimed at finalising arrangements to transfer them to their respective state and national authorities for reintegration into society.
Ali described the milestone as a reflection of improved coordination between federal and state authorities in monitoring and reintegrating former insurgents.
He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede, for his guidance and institutional support of the programme.
According to Ali, OPSC operates as a multi-agency humanitarian initiative under the 1999 Constitution and international human rights standards, drawing personnel from 17 services, ministries, departments, and agencies.
Since its inception, the programme has strengthened screening procedures, refined ideological disengagement methods, enhanced psychosocial recovery systems, and improved inter-agency collaboration.
He stressed that the programme prioritises integrity, accountability, behavioural transformation, and sustainable reintegration outcomes.
Ali also highlighted the expansion of OPSC to the North-West, noting that a DRR camp established there in February last year represents a major step towards stabilisation.
Engagements are also ongoing with the Zamfara State Government to transform the facility into a comprehensive centre for victim rehabilitation, integrating psychosocial recovery, community reconciliation, livelihood support, and structured monitoring.
Benue State has requested a similar DRR facility, with the Defence Headquarters reviewing proposed sites to ensure alignment with national infrastructure, security, and sustainability standards before approval.
The meeting discussed the roles of state authorities and ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), planned structured support for resettlement, community sensitisation strategies, camp visitation protocols, and graduation timelines for the rehabilitated clients.
Representing the CDS, Chief of Defence Operations Major General Jamal Abdusalam reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to peacebuilding.
He described OPSC as a core component of the country’s security framework, emphasising that structured rehabilitation and reintegration consolidate the gains made through military operations and prevent recidivism.
“Since 2016, Operation Safe Corridor has guided thousands of clients through a controlled, integrity-driven process of disarmament, rehabilitation, and reintegration,” Abdusalam said. “When properly managed, surrender pathways reduce insurgent cohesion, provide actionable intelligence, and support long-term stability.”
The meeting was attended by representatives from federal ministries, the Office of the National Security Adviser, state governments, neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, as well as international partners such as Norway, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Organisation for Migration.
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