The Defence Headquarters has begun a review of its rehabilitation and reintegration programme for repentant insurgents, known as Operation Safe Corridor, as part of moves to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on ongoing military operations across the country.
He said the review followed emerging challenges and growing public concerns about the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation initiative.
According to him, Operation Safe Corridor was introduced by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the Borno State Government and relevant federal ministries to offer insurgents who voluntarily surrender an opportunity to abandon violence and return to society.
“For a period of time, that system achieved some significant success. As with everything, any human activity has some point of challenges. We do not deny that there are challenges, and we also acknowledge that there is a need for a review,” Onoja said.
He explained that the ongoing reassessment was aimed at improving the programme and ensuring it remains effective in tackling current security realities.
The military spokesman stressed that while insurgents would still be held accountable for their actions, rehabilitation remained a key part of Nigeria’s security strategy.
“We are also as concerned as you and other members of the public. We have heard a lot of things the public is saying. I can assure you that the review will be done and you will hear our new operational directives for Operation Safe Corridor,” he added.
On reported peace initiatives involving insurgents at the state level, Onoja said governors have a duty to protect their states but must work within federal security guidelines.
“Some states have the rights and the powers to take every action that will secure their states. However, I can tell you confidently that they will not be able to do that without the authorisation of the Office of the National Security Adviser,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to implement Federal Government policies and support all authorised measures aimed at restoring peace and stability in troubled areas.
