FG Unveils National Framework to Strengthen Terrorism Reintegration Efforts
The Federal Government has validated a national framework aimed at strengthening the rehabilitation and reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals who renounce violence, as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s response to insecurity.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were developed to provide a clear operational guide for implementing the National Disengagement, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR) policy.
Laka explained that while the Federal Government had already established a policy framework, there was a need for detailed procedures that would enable relevant agencies to translate policy objectives into measurable actions.
He said the framework was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country and was informed by Nigeria’s security realities and international best practices.
According to him, the SOPs clearly define the responsibilities of participating institutions, improve coordination among security and civilian agencies, and establish uniform standards for implementing reintegration programmes nationwide.
Laka stressed that respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law would remain central to the implementation of the initiative.
He noted that although military operations remain essential in degrading terrorist and criminal networks, lasting peace requires complementary non-military approaches.
“While kinetic operations remain indispensable in degrading terrorist and criminal networks, lasting peace can only be achieved when complemented by credible pathways that facilitate the transition of eligible individuals away from violence and support their safe reintegration into society,” he said.
The NCTC coordinator disclosed that consultations held across the six geopolitical zones showed broad support for a nationally coordinated reintegration framework that reflects local realities and enjoys community ownership.
He said participants identified terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, organised crime and separatist violence as major security challenges confronting the country.
According to him, addressing these threats requires a comprehensive strategy that combines security operations with programmes designed to tackle the root causes of conflict.
Also speaking, the Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the NCTC, Ambassador Abimbola Wońosikou, said the SOPs would provide a unified national approach to rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
She noted that although similar programmes already exist in different parts of the country, a standardised framework would improve coordination, consistency and effectiveness.
Representing the United Nations Department of Peace Operations’ Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Section, Mario Nascimento commended the Federal Government for adapting its reintegration strategy to address evolving security challenges.
He said Nigeria’s approach now places greater emphasis on strengthening conflict-affected communities in addition to rehabilitating former combatants.
Nascimento stressed that sustainable reintegration depends on the active participation of local communities, civil society organisations, government institutions and the private sector.
The newly validated SOPs are expected to guide federal agencies and pilot states, including Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara, as the government expands reintegration programmes aimed at reducing the risk of former combatants returning to violence.
