The National Counter-Terrorism Centre, operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has reported the successful reunification of over 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters with their families.
According to the Centre, none of the reintegrated individuals have returned to extremist activities after completing a six-month deradicalization program.
Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, head of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) initiative, made this announcement during the second day of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.
Speaking in a panel discussion titled “Managing Boko Haram Exits and the Demobilization of Armed Groups,” Abbas emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach among Lake Chad Basin governors to address common security challenges.
She highlighted that the Operation Safe Corridor program, designed for the deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of ex-fighters, has successfully reintegrated over 5,000 individuals into society.
“Through the Operation Safe Corridor program, we have deradicalized more than 5,000 former Boko Haram combatants and reunited them with their families. They are now applying the skills they acquired during the six-month deradicalization process to sustain themselves within their communities,” Abbas stated.
She also noted that the National Orientation Agency (NOA), present in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria, along with traditional and religious leaders, is actively monitoring the reintegration process to ensure the former fighters’ successful adaptation to society.
Additionally, she praised the “Borno Model”, a state-led reintegration strategy that complements the federal government’s peace initiatives.
“The Borno Model was initially seen as a necessity, but it has proven to be highly effective. Many former insurgents have been successfully reunited with their families,” she said.
Abbas called on the governors of the Lake Chad region and other stakeholders to harmonize their reintegration efforts to ensure a unified and effective approach.