DHQ: 300,000 Terrorists Surrendered, 2,615 Reformed, Reintegrated in Nine Years

.NHRC demands end to killings, urges FG to prosecute perpetrators

Linus Aleke and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that more than 300,000 terrorists surrendered to the superior firepower of the Armed Forces of Nigeria between 2016 and 2025.

As a safeguard, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to take urgent and decisive action to halt the wave of violent killings across the country, particularly the recent attacks in Jos.

The military further disclosed that of this number, 2,615 ex-combatants successfully graduated from the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) programme, initiated by the federal government for deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.

Speaking to THISDAY in Abuja yesterday, the National Coordinator of OPSC, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, explained that although the surrendered number included women and children, these groups are not admitted into the programme.

“2,615 clients have so far graduated through OPSC. This is out of more than 300,000 who have surrendered, including women and children,” General Ali stated. 

He clarified that women and children are handed over to their respective states of origin for rehabilitation. “OPSC does not admit women and children; they are usually catered for by their state governments with assistance from UNICEF,” he added.

Addressing public concerns regarding due diligence, monitoring, and other safeguards, General Ali said: “Operation Safe Corridor is not static; it continuously evolves in response to the changing security environment and realities across different theatres of operation in Nigeria. We are strengthening the programme along several critical lines.”

He acknowledged the challenges inherent in similar initiatives globally, particularly in active conflict environments.

“Community acceptance and balancing victim support with reintegration remain areas of focus. That is why we are evolving the programme to include stronger community engagement and victim-centred interventions,” he stated.

It would be recalled that the National Coordinator had earlier identified National Identification Number (NIN) registration as a key mechanism to monitor ex-combatants’ conduct after graduation from the six-month intensive Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme.

The multi-agency initiative is designed to encourage the voluntary surrender of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents and reintegrate them into society, focusing on low-risk fighters often coerced into recruitment or abducted.

Reacting to the incident, Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and deeply disturbing.

He noted that the violence in Plateau State reflects a troubling pattern of attacks seen in other parts of the country, including Benue State, Kaduna State, and Zamfara State, where innocent citizens have continued to lose their lives.

“We strongly condemn these senseless killings and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” Ojukwu said, stressing that the right to life must be protected at all times.

The NHRC boss insisted that beyond condemnation, there must be immediate and concrete steps to end the violence and ensure accountability.

“Enough is enough. The government must act now to stop these atrocities and bring perpetrators to justice. The silence is deafening, and the lack of accountability is emboldening these attackers,” he stated.

Ojukwu further urged security agencies to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and property by deploying more personnel to affected communities to prevent further bloodshed.

He also called for thorough investigations into the attacks and the swift prosecution of those responsible, emphasising that justice must not only be done but seen to be done as a deterrent.

The senior advocate highlighted the need to support victims and survivors, calling for adequate compensation, medical care, and protection for vulnerable populations affected by the violence.

While commending the efforts of the Plateau State Government so far, he maintained that more must be done to address the crisis.

Ojukwu also stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of recurring violence, including poverty, inequality, and hate speech, warning that failure to do so could lead to further instability.

“The NHRC will not relent in advocating for the protection of human rights in Nigeria. We demand justice for the victims and their families. The right to life is non-negotiable,” he said.