DHQ extends rehabilitation programme for ‘repentant terrorists’ to north-west

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched Operation Safe Corridor in the north-west geopolitical zone, establishing its headquarters in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara state.

Speaking during the official handover of office infrastructure, Emeka Onumajuru, chief of training and operations, said the programme is vital for “breaking the cycle of terrorism and banditry through a structured pathway for rehabilitation and reintegration”.

Onumajuru, who represented Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, noted that the operation is built on five pillars — disarmament, demobilisation, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Previously implemented in the north-east to rehabilitate Boko Haram defectors, the initiative is now expanding to the north-west to tackle insecurity in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.

Also speaking, Mairo Abbas, representative of the national security adviser (NSA), urged state governments to create centres to rehabilitate the families of those who surrender.

“As we implement this programme within the camp, we must also consider the wives and children of repentant bandits,” Abbas said.

“The states should establish holding centres, where ministries of women affairs can be empowered to provide de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programmes.

“Having lived with fighters, these family members may carry radicalised ideas or criminal tendencies. It is crucial to de-radicalise and rehabilitate them, giving them the opportunity to become responsible citizens.”

In his keynote address, Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara state, pledged his administration’s support for security efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.

Lawal acknowledged the potential impact of the operation while ruling out any negotiations with terrorist groups.

He said his administration remains open to accepting bandits willing to surrender their arms unconditionally.