The Nigerian military has confirmed that approximately 800 former Boko Haram fighters are currently undergoing a deradicalization and rehabilitation program as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society. This initiative is managed under Operation Safe Corridor, a non-kinetic approach aimed at addressing insurgency through peaceful means.
Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, disclosed this information during an interview on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief” program. He clarified that while around 129,000 Boko Haram members and their families have surrendered, only a select group of 800 individuals are currently participating in the rehabilitation program. The deradicalization process is conducted by professionals and spans approximately one year.
Onumajuru emphasized that surrendered individuals undergo a thorough legal process. Those found culpable of crimes face prosecution, while others deemed suitable for reintegration are enrolled in the deradicalization program. He also highlighted the importance of combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively combat asymmetric warfare, noting that a purely military solution is insufficient.
