Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, announced that 789 former Terror Fighters (OPSC) initiatives are underway in Operation Security Corridor (OPSC) and are currently underway for disengagement, recovery and rehabilitation. Reunion Program (DRR) Program.
Musa, represented by the head of defense policy and program, revealed this at an OPSC stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. He explained that the plan was a response to the massive surrender of Boko Haram and members of the West Africa Province (ISWAP) as a result of efforts coordinated by security agencies and other stakeholders.
He said more than 120,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered since the program was established, and 789 former combatants are expected to graduate this year. He added that the conference focused on developing strategies to reintegrate two batches of 391 people into their respective states.
Mousa stressed the need for ongoing cooperation to ensure the success of the program. “I must point out that your commitment to working tirelessly and committed to ensuring national security. So far, the recorded success proves your resilience and commitment to your duties,” he said.
Despite these achievements, he stressed that much work remains, highlighting the importance of stakeholder meetings. He called on the state government to ease its transition by providing additional support, thereby promoting a smooth reintegration of former combatants.
He also expressed optimism that close cooperation with local and traditional authorities would help states take security measures to track and monitor progress in reintegrating individuals. “I must emphasize that all stakeholders must actively participate in this reintegration process to promote resilience. Also, don’t forget that the importance of this meeting is to ensure lasting peace and security in our country,” he added.
Brig.-Gen Commander of Operational Safety Corridor (OPSC). Yusuf Ali describes the OPSC as a multi-institutional humanitarian program supported by the Nigerian Constitution and international humanitarian and human rights law.
Ali noted that since its launch in 2016, the program has successfully processed 2,190 individuals, including 2,163 Nigerians and 27 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad and Niger, all foreigners have been transferred to their respective national authorities to restart .
Between July and November 2024, 825 people were transferred to the DRR camp for training, including 14 foreign nationals from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. He also mentioned that 22 people were transferred to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri for further evaluation and treatment.
The commander said the stakeholder meeting was intended to complete arrangements to allow smooth transfer of those currently in the camp to national and state authorities to reintegrate after graduation in March.
