Nigeria Graduates 390 Former Boko Haram Members Through Rehabilitation Programme

GOMBE, Nigeria – April 17, 2025 — In a bold effort to counter violent extremism and foster long-term peace in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northeast, the Nigerian government has announced the graduation of 390 former Boko Haram members from its De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme.

The ceremony took place on Thursday at a DRR camp in Malam Sidi, Gombe State. The initiative is part of Operation Safe Corridor, a federal government strategy that aims to reintegrate former insurgents into civilian life after they surrender.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Major General Sunday Makollo, praised the programme’s impact, describing it as an essential “non-kinetic” component in Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism campaign. “This programme is positively impacting military operations by helping reduce the number of active combatants,” Musa said, urging the graduates to become agents of peace and to uphold their oath of allegiance to the Nigerian state.

Boko Haram, designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, the United States, and other international bodies, has waged a deadly insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade. The group’s violent campaign has led to more than 35,000 deaths and displaced millions across Nigeria and neighboring countries. In recent years, Nigerian forces have intensified military operations against the group while simultaneously offering rehabilitation for members willing to surrender.

Colonel Abiodun Johnson, commandant of the DRR camp, confirmed that the graduates included six foreign nationals and 384 Nigerians. The former fighters had arrived at the camp in July 2024 and underwent nearly 10 months of rehabilitation, including trauma counseling, civic education, and vocational skills training in areas such as tailoring, welding, carpentry, bakery, and electrical repairs.

“This training is meant to equip them for life beyond the camp and reduce the risk of recidivism,” Johnson said.

He provided a detailed demographic breakdown of the participants, noting that they came from 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states. Borno State, the epicenter of Boko Haram’s activities, accounted for the largest number—218 individuals. Others hailed from across the country, including states like Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, and Kano. The group also included six Christians and 384 Muslims, data that Johnson said would help with personalized reintegration planning.

As part of their reintegration, each graduate received a starter pack tailored to their chosen skill and a grant of 50,000 naira (approximately $33). The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also donated food and essential supplies, including 400 bags each of rice and maize, cooking oil, seasoning, tomato paste, and hygiene items.

Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their dual approach to counterterrorism—combining military force with rehabilitation and dialogue. She praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for expanding Operation Safe Corridor beyond the northeast to cover all six geopolitical zones, including a newly established camp in Zamfara State, a region increasingly affected by armed banditry.

“The government is fully committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria,” Umar said in a message delivered by NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Abang Oyong.

While the programme has gained support from national and international stakeholders, it remains controversial among some local communities, especially victims of Boko Haram violence. Critics question whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent former fighters from rejoining extremist groups.

Still, Nigerian officials say the approach is necessary for long-term peace. “We cannot shoot our way out of every conflict,” said a senior military source at the event. “Rebuilding lives and restoring hope is part of winning the war.”

As these 390 individuals prepare to re-enter society, their next chapter will test both the durability of their rehabilitation and the willingness of communities to embrace them.