.Insists rehabilitation not reward for violence but strategic tool for curbing banditry
.As Pherlangwah visits Defence Health Maintenance HQ
CHIDIMMA UCHEGBU, Abuja
No fewer than 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism on Thursday graduated from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor.
A breakdown of the 744 clients shows that two are from Abia State, 10 from Adamawa State, one from Akwa Ibom State, two from Anambra State, 12 from Bauchi State, 597 from Borno State, three from Ebonyi State, one from Enugu State, 15 from Kano State, three from Katsina State, one from Kebbi State, five from Kogi State, four from Nasarawa State, two from Niger State, two from Plateau State, two from Sokoto State, and 58 from Yobe State.
In addition, there are foreign nationals, comprising one from Burkina Faso, one from Cameroon, two from Chad, and four from the Niger Republic.
Also, 733 of the graduates are Muslims, while 11 are Christians.
Speaking at the event in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the initiative is “not a reward” for violence but a strategic tool to curb extremism.
Represented by the Director, Special Operations Forces at Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, he said the programme was designed to address the human dimensions of insurgency and promote lasting peace.
“This moment is not just a ceremony; it is a statement of progress, a demonstration of national resolve and a testimony to the power of strategic thinking in addressing human dimensions of conflict,” he said.
Oluyede stressed that while military force remains necessary, long-term stability depends on rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Operation Safe Corridor represents Nigeria’s firm belief that while kinetic operations are necessary to neutralise threats, lasting peace can only be achieved when we address the underlying drivers of de-radicalisation, disengagement and reintegration,” he said.
He added, “This is not a reward but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, weaken extremist recruitment and promote long-term stability.”
Addressing the graduates, the CDS urged them to embrace a new path, warning against a return to violence.
“Nigeria is giving you a second chance; do not waste it. You are returning not just to your communities but to a responsibility to live peacefully, to contribute meaningfully and to reject all forms of violence and extremism,” he said.
Oluyede also clarified that the initiative should not be mistaken for amnesty. “Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme, and it is not a sign of weakness. It complements military operations by addressing the human threats of conflict, reducing recidivism and weakening the ideological foundations of violent extremism,” he noted.
He called on state governments and communities to support the reintegration process, saying, “Reception, monitoring and community acceptance remain critical to sustaining the gains achieved today. This must be a collective effort.”
Earlier, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brig. Gen. Yusuf Ali said the programme was established as a deliberate strategic response to insurgency, combining security efforts with rehabilitation.
“While military operations continue to degrade and neutralise threats, it became evident that lasting peace requires a structured pathway for disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration of those willing to renounce violence,” Ali said.
He explained that the beneficiaries underwent extensive training, including “psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation, educational reform, civic education and behavioural transformation.”
“This process is not merely about disengagement; it is about rebuilding identity, restoring values and preparing individuals to return to society as responsible citizens,” he added.
Ali noted that many of the participants were victims of coercion and manipulation. “Some were abducted, others were forced, and many were drawn into the conflict due to circumstances beyond their control. But today marks a turning point,” he said.
“From this moment, they have the opportunity to reclaim their identity, rebuild their lives and pursue a future defined not by conflict but by purpose, responsibility and national development,” he added.
The coordinator emphasised that reintegration remains a shared responsibility.
“State governments, community leaders, families and institutions all have critical roles to play in ensuring that these individuals are accepted, monitored and supported,” he said.
The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Yahaya, represented by his SSA on Security Matters and Intergovernmental affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Musa, charged the graduating clients to embrace the opportunity as a new beginning.
He said the programme reflects the federal government under the Leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to peace building and the De-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant persons into society.
“You’ve been given a second chance, do not take it for granted. Go forward and become responsible, law-abiding, and productive citizens who will contribute positively to your community and the nation at large. Do not betray the trust that Nigeria has placed in you.”
The graduation of 744 clients under Operation Safe Corridor underscores Nigeria’s sustained shift towards combining military efforts with non-kinetic strategies in addressing insurgency, particularly in the North-East.
Meanwhile, in recognition of the growing physical and mental health demands of personnel, both serving and retired, in a security-conscious environment, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has charged Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to intensify its efforts amid enormous security challenges.
He emphasized that DHML “is more needed today than ever before, and no soldier, no officer, and no veteran must be left behind when it comes to healthcare.”
He made this statement during his familiarisation visit to the Headquarters of DHML on Wednesday, 15th April, 2026, in Abuja.
This was contained in the statement signed by the Queenet Iheoma- Hart CIO, For: Director Information and PR.
Pheelangwah noted that the evolving security landscape, marked by asymmetric threats, counter-insurgency operations, and extended deployments, places unprecedented demands on the physical and mental health of military personnel.
In addition, the growing population of veterans and retirees requires a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system that preserves dignity and honours service.
“In this context, DHML is not just a support institution; it is a strategic pillar of national defence. You must therefore continue to rise to this responsibility with renewed commitment, innovation, and discipline,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary explained that his visit was strategic, aimed at providing administrative oversight while gaining first-hand insight into DHML’s operations, achievements, and challenges. He said the visit also reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of serving personnel, veterans, and their families, while strengthening institutional effectiveness and enhancing policy coherence across all agencies under the Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary commended DHML’s leadership for its notable achievements since incorporation in 2005. He described DHML as a unique and dedicated Health Maintenance Organisation for the military that has consistently set benchmarks in healthcare management. He highlighted its coverage of over 110,000 veterans and their dependents through an extensive military-civilian provider network, and its consistent compliance with the standards of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), including maintaining re-accreditation requirements.
He said these milestones speak volumes about DHML’s commitment to quality assurance and regulatory compliance and urged the Management to sustain these achievements in line with the Ministry of Defence’s Health Policy.
Mr. Pheelangwah also acknowledged operational challenges faced by DHML, including delays in payment to healthcare providers, limited access to specialised tertiary care, and logistical constraints.
He noted that while these challenges are significant, they are “not insurmountable, but require deliberate, coordinated, and innovative responses.”
He proposed expanding partnerships with tertiary hospitals to reduce referral bottlenecks for complex cases, strengthening telemedicine platforms to ensure personnel in remote or conflict-prone areas receive timely expert consultations, and enhancing logistics coordination with Service Medical Corps to improve emergency response times.
He assured DHML of the Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary policy and administrative backing, as well as the enabling environment and institutional support required for it to excel.
He further recognised the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose unwavering commitment to national security and personnel welfare continues to shape the strategic direction of the Armed Forces.
He also commended the steadfast guidance and commitment of the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence in strengthening the capacity and welfare framework of the Armed Forces.
Earlier, the MD/CEO of DHML, Surg. R/Adm. A.B. Afolayan (rtd), disclosed that DHML currently operates in all 36 states and the FCT, with free access to healthcare for beneficiaries. He stated that DHML is partnering with over 135 healthcare providers across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. He identified key challenges as irregular release of premiums, non-harmonisation of personnel data, and inadequate sensitisation on DHML’s services, noting that many veterans are still unaware of how to access the HMO.
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