744 repentant terrorists set to be reintegrated into society – FG

The Federal Government has successfully graduated 744 former insurgents and victims of extremism from its Operation Safe Corridor program in Gombe, preparing them for reintegration into society after months of intensive de-radicalization and vocational training.

The Federal Government has announced the successful graduation of 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism from its De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) camp in Gombe State. The graduation, held on Friday, April 17, 2026, under the auspices of Operation Safe Corridor, marks a significant milestone in the military’s non-kinetic approach to ending the insurgency in North-East Nigeria. The cohort comprises a diverse group of individuals, including 597 from Borno State, 58 from Yobe, and several foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso. Of the total beneficiaries, 733 are Muslims and 11 are Christians, all of whom underwent months of psychosocial support, religious reorientation, and civic education.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Director of Special Operations Forces, Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, clarified the intent behind the initiative. He emphasized that the DRR process is a strategic tool for national security rather than a pardon for past crimes. “This is not an amnesty programme, but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, discourage extremist recruitment and ensure long-term national stability,” he said. The CDS further noted that the program is designed to address the human dimensions of the insurgency by providing participants with the vocational skills necessary to sustain themselves and their families in civilian life.

The 744 graduates represent various states across the federation, ranging from northern strongholds like Kano and Katsina to southern states including Abia, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom. During their time in the camp, the beneficiaries were equipped with specialized training in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and barbing to facilitate their economic independence upon returning to their communities. Rear Admiral Tanimu reiterated that the move forms part of a broader plan to curb extremism and promote lasting peace, stating that the programme was designed to “address the human dimensions of insurgency and promote lasting peace.” As these individuals return to their respective states, the Federal Government has urged local authorities and community leaders to support their successful transition.

READ THE FULL STORY IN VANGUARD