The Yobe State Government has disclosed plans to reintegrate former members of the Boko Haram insurgent group who have completed the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme under the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) initiative.
Governor Mai Mala Buni made the announcement on Thursday during a high-level meeting in Damaturu with representatives of OPSC, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. The governor reaffirmed the state’s readiness to support the next phase of the initiative, which targets the seamless reintegration of ex-fighters into society.
Governor Buni reflected on the toll of the insurgency, now in its 15th year, lamenting the loss of thousands of lives, widespread displacement, and destruction of critical infrastructure across the North-East. He stressed that alongside military action, there must be a non-kinetic strategy that addresses the underlying factors driving radicalisation, such as coercion, misinformation, and poverty.
He noted that many individuals caught in the web of insurgency were forcefully conscripted or manipulated through ideological indoctrination. “We believe that some of them were drawn into the insurgency against their will, and with proper guidance, rehabilitation, and reintegration, they can return to society as responsible and productive citizens,” Buni said.
The governor further announced that 390 rehabilitated individuals, including 54 from Yobe State, will graduate from the DRR programme between April 14 and 19. He confirmed that the state’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management will coordinate the reintegration process, ensuring proper monitoring, support, and community acceptance.
Buni also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his multi-pronged approach to tackling insecurity and driving peace-building efforts in the region.
General Christopher Musa, in his remarks, underlined the importance of community involvement in the success of the reintegration process. He noted that while the DRR programme has recorded positive outcomes, its long-term impact depends heavily on local support and the willingness of communities to accept reformed individuals.
“De-radicalisation is a continuous process. Beyond the camps, these individuals need support systems to help them reintegrate fully and find a purpose. Community leaders, families, and youth groups all have a role to play,” Gen. Musa said.
He also advocated for expanded de-radicalisation centres, more vocational training facilities, and modern rehabilitation tools to enhance the programme’s effectiveness. He stated that when communities witness the positive transformation of former insurgents, others still in hiding may be encouraged to lay down their arms and surrender voluntarily.
As the April reintegration date approaches, Yobe State positions itself as a critical partner in the broader national strategy to end violent extremism and rebuild social cohesion in the region.
