Repentant Terrorists Programme to Be Reviewed — Military
The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that the Federal Government’s programme under the (operation safe corridor) for rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant terrorists is undergoing a comprehensive review to strengthen its effectiveness and address emerging concerns.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made this known during the monthly operational briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, where he outlined ongoing counterterrorism efforts across various theatres.
Onoja explained that the review is intended to assess the impact, structure and long-term sustainability of the de-radicalisation and reintegration framework, particularly in light of evolving security dynamics.
According to him, the Armed Forces remain focused on kinetic operations to neutralise terrorists, while also supporting non-kinetic measures designed to encourage defections and weaken insurgent ranks.
“The programme is being reviewed to ensure it continues to serve the national interest and aligns with current operational realities,” he said.
The military spokesperson noted that surrender by insurgents has significantly disrupted terrorist networks in the North-East, reducing their manpower and intelligence coordination capacity. However, he acknowledged public concerns over monitoring mechanisms and post-reintegration outcomes.
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He stressed that the initiative is not a blanket amnesty but a structured process involving profiling, psychological evaluation, vocational training and community reintegration under strict supervision.
“The objective is to break the cycle of violence by offering an exit pathway for those genuinely willing to abandon terrorism, while ensuring that national security is not compromised,” Onoja stated.
He added that the review would likely examine screening procedures, community sensitisation, inter-agency coordination and post-release tracking systems to enhance transparency and accountability.
This is coming as security analysts have long argued that defections can serve as a force multiplier by depriving insurgent groups of fighters and intelligence assets. The military maintains that the programme complements battlefield successes by combining hard and soft approaches to counterinsurgency.
Onoja reiterated that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations against terrorists who refuse to surrender, noting that several high-value targets have been neutralised in recent weeks.
“The Armed Forces will not relent. Those who lay down their arms will be processed in accordance with established procedures, while those who choose violence will face decisive action,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the review process would prioritise national security, victims’ interests and long-term stability, as the country continues efforts to consolidate gains in the fight against terrorism.
By PRNigeria
