The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that 800 former Boko Haram fighters who voluntarily surrendered to the military are currently undergoing a structured deradicalisation programme as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief on Monday, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Emeka Onumajuru, stated that while a total of 129,000 Boko Haram members and their families had surrendered to date, only a select group had been chosen for rehabilitation.
“To clarify the figures, about 129,000 individuals—including insurgents and their families—have surrendered. However, not all of them are undergoing rehabilitation,” Onumajuru explained. “Only about 800 are currently in the deradicalisation programme, which operates in batches.”
He further noted that all surrendered individuals are subjected to legal scrutiny before placement. Those found culpable of serious crimes are detained and prosecuted, while others deemed suitable for rehabilitation enter Operation Safe Corridor, the military’s non-kinetic approach to combating terrorism.
“The deradicalisation process lasts approximately one year and is managed by trained professionals,” he said, adding that the initiative had seen notable success in reintegrating former insurgents into productive civilian life.
Onumajuru assured the public that the military remains vigilant in assessing individuals admitted into the programme to prevent security risks, stating that the rehabilitation process is rigorous and continuously monitored.
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