Nigeria's Operation Safe Corridor Graduates 744 Participants in De-radicalisation Program

Nigeria's Operation Safe Corridor has graduated 744 participants from its De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) program. The graduation involved Special Batch 7/2024, Special Batch 8/2025, and Sulhu Batch 8/2025. The program focuses on non-kinetic approaches to combat violent extremism by addressing radicalisation and reintegration.

The initiative, established as a response to insurgency, provides rehabilitation for victims of violent extremism, including those conscripted or unlawfully arrested. Over 3,000 individuals have passed through the program. It aims to reduce terrorist recruitment by offering participants a chance to renounce violence and start anew.

of Defence Staff General

Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Rear Admiral Kabir Tanimu, stated during the graduation that the program is not an amnesty for violent extremists. He described it as a strategy to reduce violence, weaken extremist recruitment, and promote stability. Oluyede emphasized that the program complements military operations by addressing the human aspects of conflict.

“This is not a reward but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, weaken extremist recruitment and promote long-term stability.”

Oluyede urged graduates to live peacefully and reject extremism. He commended the multi-agency collaboration involving armed forces, security agencies, ministries, and civil institutions. He also noted the commissioning of a de-radicalisation studio as a development in the program's approach.

coordinator Brig.

Yusuf Ali stated that Operation Safe Corridor addresses the human dimensions of insurgency through disengagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration. He said military operations continue alongside these efforts to achieve lasting peace. After completion, responsibility for reintegration shifts to state governments, communities, and stakeholders.

Oluyede highlighted the role of partners, including the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Centre for Democracy and Development Intermediates, the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, and the international community of the Red Cross.

These contributions have supported program delivery and non-kinetic conflict resolution. He reiterated that security involves understanding, rehabilitation, and reintegration under accountability and supervision.