586 former Boko Haram militants set for rehabilitation – Army

The Nigerian Army said on Friday that at least 586 ex-Boko Haram militants are set for a De-Radicalisation, Rehabilitation Reintegration (DRR) Programme in Gombe State.

The Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Shafa, disclosed this after he handed over the ex-militants to the Camp Commander, OSC Malam-Sidi Camp, in Lawanti town, Akko local government area of the state, Brig. Gen. Musa Ibrahim.

Shafa said the OSC had successfully reintegrated 268 terrorists among which were 266 Nigerians and two Chadians.

He said: “Today we are bringing in 586 adults. This is in addition to the 86 children that we handed over to the Borno State Government last two weeks.

“The operation has been very successful and it is a great achievement.

READ ALSO: Buratai decorates 31 newly promoted army officers

“With the large number that we are taking, it is an indication that Boko haram combatant are surrendering to the Armed Forces.”

He said the Operation Lafiya Dole has been doing a great job in the last couple of days.

The army coordinator added that impacts of its operations were being felt by people of the state.

Shafa hinted that over 1, 000 militants have voluntarily surrendered to troops in the North East.

“With what we are seeing, the armed forces are making steady gains in the fight against insurgency in the North East.

“What we are telling the boys in the bush is to come out and take advantage of the opportunity that the Federal Government has given to them to surrender and embrace peace,’’ he added.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now