129,000 terrorists surrender, 800 undergoing deradicalisation – Defence Headquarters

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Defence Headquarters has revealed that 800 former Boko Haram fighters are currently undergoing deradicalisation as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society.

This development comes after 129,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families surrendered to the military.

The staggering number continues to worry many observers.

According to the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Emeka Onumajuru, all surrendered individuals are subjected to legal scrutiny.

Those found guilty face prosecution, while others deemed fit for rehabilitation are placed in the deradicalisation programme, which takes about a year.

Onumajuru explained that the programme is handled by professionals under Operation Safe Corridor, a non-kinetic approach to combating terrorism.

He defended the feasibility of rehabilitating former insurgents within a year, stating that “it’s possible because the deradicalisation is done by professionals”

The military chief clarified that not all surrendered fighters are automatically admitted into the programme.

“The number taken in is not huge… The people going through the programme right now are about 800—in batches,” he said.

This selective approach ensures that only those who are truly committed to reform are given the opportunity to reintegrate into society.

The deradicalisation programme is a crucial step towards addressing the root causes of terrorism and promoting peace and stability in the region.