DHQ: Over 60 percent of terrorist, fighters not driven by ideology

Operation Safe Corridor, launched in 2016, is a federal government‑led non‑kinetic counter‑insurgency programme designed to encourage, rehabilitate, and reintegrate repentant former combatants — especially those who have surrendered from armed groups such as Boko Haram and splinter groups — back into society. 

Coordinated by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police, the programme targets low-risk individuals, particularly those not deeply involved in combat operations, and prepares them for reintegration into civilian life.

The military high command, spoke through the National Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, during an interview with selected journalist in Abuja.

Ali noted that this insight is critical, as it highlights that a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer sufficient, adding that interventions must be tailored to regional realities.

The OPSC announced plans federal government’s plan to expand the programme to include rehabilitation of victims of violent extremism across the country.

He said, "The programme is evolving to become more victim sensitive. We recognise that sustainable peace cannot be achieved if victims of conflict feel neglected. This is why we are advancing the establishment of Victims’ Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camps, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions, where communities have experienced significant trauma, displacement, and loss. Many victims live with deep psychological scars, and addressing that trauma is just as important as rehabilitating ex-combatants.

"We have moved beyond a single-theatre approach. The establishment of the DRR camp in Tsafe, Zamfara State, is specifically designed to address the peculiar security dynamics of the North-West, while the planned facility in Benue will serve the North-Central region. 

“Other zones are also in the pipeline as part of a broader national framework. This expansion is informed by research conducted by our partners, which shows that over 60 per cent of foot soldiers within terrorist and bandit groups are not ideologically driven, but are individuals who were coerced, abducted, or caught up in the dynamics of conflict.”

Ali said the evolution of Operation Safe Corridor is progressing along three key directions - stronger screening and accountability, expanded and region-specific infrastructure, and a more balanced approach - addressing both disengagement from violence and healing for affected communities.

The OPSC Coordinator acknowledged that there are misconceptions about the programme, the authorities are working to address them and enhance public trust.

“As a result, we are making deliberate efforts to clearly communicate what the programme is and what it is not. It is not amnesty, it is not a shortcut to evade justice, and it is certainly not a recruitment pathway into the Armed Forces. 

“Through strengthened engagement with stakeholders, media platforms, and partners such as the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, we are ensuring that the public better understands the safeguards, structure, and objectives of the programme,” he said.