No fewer than 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism have graduated from the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insurgency.
The graduation ceremony, held Thursday in Gombe, drew participants from across Nigeria, with the majority—597—coming from Borno State, the epicentre of the insurgency. Others hailed from states including Adamawa, Yobe, Kano, Abia, Anambra, and Enugu, alongside foreign nationals from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic.
Out of the total number, 733 identified as Muslims, while 11 were Christians.
Addressing the graduates, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, stressed that the initiative should not be misconstrued as a reward for violence but as a calculated national security strategy.
“This is not a reward; it is a careful strategy to lower violence, weaken extremist recruitment efforts, and encourage long-term stability,” he said.
Represented by Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, Oluyede described the programme as a critical complement to military operations, focusing on the human dimension of conflict resolution.
“This event is not simply a ceremony; it signifies our progress, showcases our national determination, and highlights the effectiveness of strategic planning in resolving human conflict,” he stated.
The defence chief maintained that while military force remains essential, sustainable peace depends on addressing the root causes of extremism through rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Operation Safe Corridor shows Nigeria’s strong belief that even though military operations are needed to combat threats, true peace can only come when we focus on the root causes of de-radicalization, disengagement, and reintegration,” he added.
He issued a stern warning to the beneficiaries, urging them to embrace the opportunity for a fresh start.
“Nigeria is giving you another chance; don’t waste it. You are going back not just to your communities but also with the responsibility to live peacefully, contribute positively, and reject all forms of violence and extremism,” Oluyede said.
He further clarified that the initiative does not amount to amnesty.
“Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty program, and it does not show weakness. Instead, it works alongside military efforts to tackle the human aspects of conflict, lower chances of repeat offenses, and weaken the beliefs behind violent extremism,” he explained.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the programme, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, said the scheme was designed as a structured response to insurgency, blending security measures with rehabilitation.
“While military actions continue to reduce threats, it became clear that true peace needs a well-structured plan for leaving violence behind, getting help, and reintegrating those who want to stop fighting,” he said.
Ali disclosed that participants underwent comprehensive training, including psychosocial support, vocational skills, religious reorientation, civic education, and behavioural reform.
“This process goes beyond just leaving violence; it focuses on rebuilding identity, restoring values, and preparing people to rejoin society as responsible citizens,” he noted.
He revealed that many of the participants were victims of coercion and manipulation.
“Some were kidnapped, others were forced, and many got involved in the conflict due to situations they couldn’t control. But today is a turning point,” he said.
“Starting now, they can reclaim their identity, rebuild their lives, and strive for a future marked by purpose, responsibility, and national progress,” he added.
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Yahaya, represented by Ambassador Yusuf Musa, urged the graduates to seize the opportunity and reintegrate responsibly.
“You have received a second chance, so don’t take it lightly. Move ahead and become responsible, law-abiding, and productive citizens who will make positive contributions to your community and the country as a whole. Do not let Nigeria down,” he said.
Authorities also called on state governments, community leaders, and families to play active roles in reintegration efforts, stressing that long-term success depends on collective responsibility.
The latest batch underscores the scale of Nigeria’s evolving counter-insurgency strategy, which combines military pressure with rehabilitation efforts to reduce recidivism, weaken extremist networks, and promote lasting peace—particularly in the North-East, where insurgency linked to groups like Boko Haram has persisted for over a decade.
