117 Former Terrorists Complete Rehabilitation Programme in Borno

Borno State has marked a milestone as 117 repentant terrorists successfully completed the Disarmament, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

The development was announced by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre. The meeting focused on transferring rehabilitated individuals to national and state authorities for reintegration into society.

Brig. Gen. Y. Ali, Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, confirmed that the graduates completed the DRR programme at Mallam Sidi Camp in Borno. He emphasized that the achievement reflected improved coordination between federal and state authorities in monitoring, reception, and community reintegration.

The programme is also expanding to other regions. In the North West, a DRR camp established last February has contributed to stabilisation efforts. Efforts in Zamfara State aim to implement a comprehensive Victim Healing, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration framework, incorporating psychosocial recovery, community reconciliation, livelihood support, and structured monitoring.

In the North Central region, Benue State has formally requested a DRR camp. Defence Headquarters has evaluated proposed sites to ensure alignment with national standards for infrastructure, security, and sustainability.

The meeting brought together federal ministries, the Office of the National Security Adviser, state governments, neighbouring countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon—and international partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Organization for Migration, Norway, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

In a keynote address, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the OPSC National Steering Committee, represented by Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdusalam, reiterated that Operation Safe Corridor remains a core element of Nigeria’s security framework. While military operations create the space for stability, structured rehabilitation and reintegration are vital to sustaining security and preventing a return to violence.

Launched in 2016, Operation Safe Corridor combines military action with rehabilitation programmes for surrendered fighters. With more states seeking DRR facilities, the programme is now extending beyond the North East to strengthen national stabilisation and recovery efforts.