The Federal Government has graduated 744 ex-combatants and victims of violent extremism who completed a six-month deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme at the DRR Camp in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.
With the latest batch, the number of rehabilitated participants—now referred to as clients—has risen to over 3,000 since the initiative began about a decade ago.
The programme, implemented under Operation Safe Corridor, is designed to provide a pathway for disengagement from extremism and reintegration into society.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyode, represented by Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, emphasised that the initiative is not an amnesty programme but a strategic intervention to reduce violence and prevent future radicalisation.
“This is not a reward but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, weaken extremist recruitment, and promote long-term stability,” he said.
He added that while military operations remain essential, lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of extremism through non-kinetic approaches such as rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Coordinator of the programme, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, explained that participants underwent comprehensive training, including psychosocial support, vocational skills, civic education, and behavioural reorientation.
He noted that many of the beneficiaries were either coerced, abducted, or drawn into conflict due to circumstances beyond their control.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by Ambassador Yusuf Musa, described the initiative as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to peacebuilding and national stability.
He urged the graduates to embrace the opportunity as a fresh start and contribute positively to society.
Similarly, the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, represented by Suleiman Abdullahi, highlighted the role of collaboration and strategic planning in achieving the programme’s success.
The latest batch of graduates was drawn from five geopolitical zones in Nigeria, as well as participants from neighbouring West African and Sahel countries.
By Linus Aleke
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