In a significant announcement, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),has stated that a total of 3,478 repentant terrorists have been reintegrated into society between 2016 and 2022.
This revelation underscores the success of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate individuals who have chosen to abandon extremist ideologies.
Addressing a gathering at the opening of a national security course on Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication (PSYOPS) in Abuja, General Musa shed light on the evolving strategies employed by the military.
He emphasised the implementation of both hard and soft power in counter-insurgency operations, showcasing adaptability in the face of the ever-changing nature of adversaries.
The course, themed “Winning Hearts and Minds for National Cohesion and Development,” organised by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), provided a platform for the CDS to elaborate on the effectiveness of non-kinetic operations under Operation Safe Corridor.
This approach, as highlighted by Rear Admiral Daupreye Matthew, the Director of Training at Defence Headquarters, led to the surrender of more than 2,000 Boko Haram terrorists between 2016 and 2017, with a notable majority belonging to the Abubakar Shekau faction.
General Musa shared specific details on the reintegration process, stating that 1,543 repentant terrorists successfully graduated from Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State, and an additional 1,935 were released from Bulumkutu camp in Borno between 2016 and 2022.
The numbers further underscore the commitment to reintegrate individuals into society.
The most recent data, spanning from July 2021 to May 4, 2022, revealed an astonishing 51,828 terrorists and their family members surrendering, with 13,360 identified as fighters.
Cumulatively, the figures indicate that a staggering 106,000 terrorists and their family members have chosen to surrender in the North East.
While celebrating these achievements, General Musa called for a thorough assessment and content analysis of security policies, legal frameworks, and operational strategies.
His advocacy for individual case management, referral services, and community-based peace-building, reconciliation, and reintegration underscores the holistic approach taken to ensure a lasting impact on the region’s security landscape.
The successful reintegration of thousands of repentant terrorists stands as a testament to the effectiveness of comprehensive strategies in countering insurgency and fostering national cohesion.
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