The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a second Operation SAFE CORRIDOR Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) Camp in the Northwest region. The initiative aims to encourage low-risk terrorists and bandits to surrender and reintegrate into society.
The first DDR camp, located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, has been in operation for several years, successfully rehabilitating nearly 3,000 individuals since its inception.
This was disclosed by Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), during a visit by a Sahel Alliance delegation from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Laka emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the collaboration between Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic under the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has reaffirmed that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists but is open to reintegrating those who voluntarily surrender.
Speaking at a ₦50 million community empowerment program in Jibia Local Government, Radda stated:
“We will not seek out terrorists in the forest to negotiate. However, if they voluntarily surrender, renounce violence, and choose to become law-abiding citizens, we are open to reintegrating them into society.”
He made it clear that no peace deals would be initiated by the government, but those who abandon violence could be considered for reintegration.
The governor also commended local security agencies and community leaders for their ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the state.
The empowerment initiative, launched by House of Assembly member Mustapha Yusuf, aims to support youth, women, and vulnerable citizens during Ramadan.
Yusuf noted that the program aligns with the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its people, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and economic hardship.
