By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Commander of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, has called on Nigerians to take ownership of the Federal Government’s deradicalisation initiative aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
He made the call on Tuesday during a virtual meeting themed “Winning the War Against Terrorism: Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Approaches,” organised by the Defence Headquarters.
Brigadier General Ali emphasised that the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme is not designed to pamper former fighters, but rather to complement ongoing military operations by addressing the root causes of insurgency.
According to him, the initiative targets individuals who were forcibly recruited or misled into joining terrorist groups but are now willing to abandon violence and embrace a new path.
“The programme is a critical component of our overall counter-terrorism strategy. It supports the kinetic efforts of our troops by reducing the number of fighters on the battlefield and preventing future radicalisation,” he said.
He commended the Federal Government for its sustained support, noting that the programme has recorded significant success since inception. He also highlighted the commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff, who chairs the programme’s Steering Committee, to ensuring its effectiveness while troops continue to engage and neutralise unrepentant insurgents.
Brigadier General Ali further disclosed that several countries, including Colombia, Somalia, and Mali, have shown interest in the initiative, with delegations visiting Nigeria to understudy the programme for possible adoption.
Earlier, the host, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, underscored the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding human rights in its operations. He noted that Operation Safe Corridor demonstrates the military’s adherence to international standards, including the Geneva Convention.
He urged the media and the public to avoid negative narratives that could undermine the morale of troops, stressing that soldiers are making significant sacrifices to ensure national security.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, commended the Armed Forces for their resilience and dedication in safeguarding the country.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to support initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria.
