Repentant terrorists under the deradicalisation programme are able to evade prosecution because they ‘surrendered’ to the military.
The Nigerian government has freed 2,163 former Boko Haram insurgents over nine years through its deradicalization program, with another 390 set for release this month. These ex-combatants undergo a six-month Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) program under Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), avoiding prosecution by surrendering to authorities. The Yobe State Government is preparing to reintegrate 54 indigenes among the latest batch.
Since OPSC’s 2016 launch, 2,190 “repentant” terrorists—including 27 foreigners—have been reintegrated. Brigadier General Yusuff Ali confirmed 789 more are in rehabilitation, with 381 graduating next year. Over 160,000 insurgents and family members have surrendered since 2021, per military data. Critics question the program’s effectiveness amid ongoing violence in the Northeast.
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