Nigerian Govt introduces fresh plan to reintegrate ex-terrorists

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new operational framework aimed at improving the reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence across the country.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the National Validation Workshop on the Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs, for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration, DDR, at the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.

Laka said the initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to tackle insecurity through non-military measures while supporting long-term peace and stability in conflict-affected communities.

He added that the procedures were designed to ensure a coordinated and effective implementation of the government’s DDR programme.

Laka further noted that the SOPs provide practical guidelines for institutions responsible for implementing the programme and are intended to strengthen accountability, transparency and collaboration among relevant agencies.

According to him, the Federal Government recognised the need for a more detailed operational structure beyond the existing policy framework.

Laka noted that the framework was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and was informed by Nigeria’s security realities as well as lessons drawn from international best practices.

The NCTC stressed that the procedures would clearly define the responsibilities of participating institutions, improve coordination among security and civilian agencies, and establish uniform standards for carrying out reintegration programmes across the country.

“Recognising that a policy framework alone is insufficient to guide implementation, the NCTC and its partners subsequently developed a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures to translate the strategic objectives of the National DDR Framework into practical guidance for implementing institutions.

“These Standard Operating Procedures have been developed through extensive consultations and draw upon national experiences, international best practices, and the unique realities of the Nigerian context,” he said.