Nigerian Government Releases 5,000 Ex-Boko Haram Terrorists

The Nigerian government has freed 5,000 former Boko Haram members as part of a rehabilitation and reintegration program. 

The National Counter Terrorism Centre, part of the Office of the National Security Adviser, has announced that more than 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters have successfully reunited with their families following a rehabilitation program.

Officials report that none of the former combatants have resumed militant activities after completing the six-month deradicalization program.

Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, the head of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), provided this update on the second day of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.

During a panel discussion titled “Managing Boko Haram Exits and Demobilization of Armed Groups,” Abbas highlighted the importance of Lake Chad region governors devising a unified strategy to address shared security challenges.

She emphasized the achievements of the Operation Safe Corridor initiative, which offers rehabilitation and reintegration assistance to former Boko Haram members.

She stated, “Through the Operation Safe Corridor program, we have successfully deradicalized more than 5,000 former Boko Haram combatants and reunited them with their families.”

They are applying the skills gained from the six-month deradicalization program to support themselves in their communities.

She also highlighted the participation of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, to oversee reintegrated individuals throughout Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Abbas also praised the “Borno Model,” a state-driven initiative aimed at reintegrating individuals who have abandoned extremism, noting that it has greatly advanced national peace efforts.

“We have consistently referred to the ‘Borno Model’ as a model born out of necessity; however, it has achieved significant success, evidenced by numerous former fighters reuniting with their families,” she stated.

She called on governors and stakeholders in the Lake Chad region to synchronize their strategies for a more cohesive approach to reintegration and regional security.