The Defence Headquarters has revealed that 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalization.
This process is part of the Operation Safe Corridor program, aimed at reintegrating ex-terrorists into society.
According to Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Emeka Onumajuru, the deradicalization process takes about a year, during which time the individuals undergo reorientation and rehabilitation.
Onumajuru emphasized that this period is sufficient for the ex-terrorists to change their ways and reintegrate into society.
It’s worth noting that out of the 129,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families who have surrendered, only a select group has been chosen for rehabilitation.
The surrendered individuals undergo legal scrutiny, and those found guilty face prosecution, while others deemed fit for rehabilitation are placed in the deradicalization program.
The deradicalization process is a crucial step towards rehabilitating ex-terrorists and preventing them from returning to their violent ways. However, some experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such programs, citing the need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of extremism.
As the Nigerian military continues to battle Boko Haram, the deradicalization program offers a glimmer of hope for those who have surrendered and are seeking a second chance.
