The Chief host, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, ably represented by Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde stressed that since Operation Safe Corridor was initiated due to the marvellous surrender of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa pro-peace members, induced by well-coordinated operations by all stakeholders, it has led to over 130,000 insurgents and their family members surrendering since the inception of the program.
General Musa noted that "we currently have a total of 789 ex-combatants undergoing the re-radicalization, rehabilitation, and re-integration program under the initiative, who are expected to graduate this year.
"It is also important to mention that upon graduation from this scheme, each client will be provided with some personal items as well as start-up packs based on the trade acquired, including their training." he said
He urged benefiting state governments to facilitate the seamless re-integration of the ex-combatants by providing additional support to ease their transition process.
"We are very optimistic that working closely with local and traditional authorities, the state can deploy security apparatus at their disposal to effectively track and monitor the progress of the re-integrated ex-combatants.
"I must emphasize that all stakeholders must be actively involved in this re-integration process to ensure lasting peace and security in our country." The CDS noted
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali revealed that in line with the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff/National Chairman of OPSC, is to work out modalities for the smooth transfer of the clients presently in the camp to their national and states authorities for re-integration after graduation in March 2025.
He said at the end of this meeting, it is expected that all stakeholders would be fully abreast with the activities of OPSC and DRR Programme in particular. The State authorities and the MDAs would know in specific terms, the roles they would play in the transfer as well as re-integration process of the clients.
Identify and recommend in specific terms affordable Resettlement Packages for the clients and assign responsibility to relevant MDAs to provide. Determine the mode community sensitization, camp visitation and community service programmes would take, Ratify the Graduation Date and initiate arrangements for the ceremony.
Stakeholders and partners are expected to approach the meeting with open minds, honesty, objectivity, and a determination to learn and innovate new ideas. They will engage in robust discussions, ask questions, and then take action to form the most effective path for this valuable initiative.
The successes recorded so far are a testament to resilience and commitment to duty.