By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has announced that 789 ex-combatants are currently undergoing the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme as part of Operation SAFE CORRIDOR (OPSC).
This initiative aims to reintegrate these individuals into society, providing them with a brighter future.
General Musa made this announcement during a stakeholders meeting of Operation SAFE CORRIDOR (OPSC) in Abuja, where he emphasized the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness in achieving the programme’s objectives.
According to General Musa, Operation SAFE CORRIDOR was initiated in response to the surrender of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa pro-peace members, which has led to over 130,000 insurgents and their family members surrendering since the programme’s inception.
He said, the 789 ex-combatants currently in the programme are expected to graduate this year and will be provided with personal items and start-up packages to help them set up small businesses and start anew.
General Musa urged benefiting state governments to facilitate the seamless re-integration of the ex-combatants by providing additional support to ease the transitional process.
He also emphasized the need for all stakeholders to be actively involved in the re-integration process to ensure lasting peace and security in the country.
The CDS expressed his gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as implementation partners and friendly nations, for their support and technical assistance.
He also commended the dedication and commitment of the committee members, stating that their efforts are highly appreciated and have contributed to the programme’s successes so far.
Earlier, the Coordinator of Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, set the tone for a productive meeting by highlighting the organization’s achievements.
He noted that as a _multi-agency humanitarian scheme, OPSC has been backed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and International Humanitarian and Human Right Laws since its inception in 2016.
He said the operation has successfully processed *2,190 clients, including _2,163 Nigerians_ and _27 foreign nationals_ from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.
The Coordinator explained that the meeting’s primary objective is to facilitate a seamless transfer of clients to their national and state authorities for _re-integration_ after graduation in March 2025. To achieve this,he said the meeting aims to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about OPSC and DRR Programme activities, identify _affordable Resettlement Packages_ for clients, and determine the best approach for _community sensitization_ and _camp visitation programmes.
Brigadier General Ali expressed his gratitude to the _Chief of Defence Staff_, members of the _National Steering Committee_, and implementation partners for their support and encouragement.
He also acknowledged the _cooperation and passion_ of the OPSC team, who have made significant strides in the last couple of years.
