Gombe State — No fewer than 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism have completed Nigeria’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
The initiative, established by the Federal Government, is aimed at encouraging disengagement from insurgent groups while preparing participants for reintegration into society through structured support and training.
At the graduation ceremony held in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, described the programme as a critical component of the country’s counter-insurgency efforts, noting that military action alone cannot end extremism.
According to officials, the beneficiaries were drawn largely from the North-East, including Borno State and Yobe State, with a small number of foreign nationals also participating.
The Coordinator of the programme, Yusuf Ali, explained that participants underwent months of rehabilitation, including psychological counselling, vocational training, civic education, and ideological reorientation designed to help them transition into civilian life.
Authorities noted that many of the participants had been recruited under pressure or manipulation, adding that the programme offers them an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
They also called on state governments, traditional leaders, and residents to support the reintegration process, stressing that long-term success depends on community acceptance.
Operation Safe Corridor remains a key part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to address insurgency by combining security operations with non-military approaches aimed at tackling the root causes of extremism.