From Atiku Sarki, Gombe
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede has emphasised that Operation Safe Corridor(OPSC) is not an amnesty programme neither it is a sign of weakness.
According to him, It complements military operations by addressing the human threat of conflicts, reducing recidivism, thus relapsing back to criminal actions and weakening the ideological foundations of violent extremism.
General Oluyede disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of Special Batch 7/2024 Special Batch 8/2025 and Sulhu Batch 8/2025 Clients, held on Thursday at the Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR)Camp of Operation Safe Corridor in Mallam Sidi of Gombe State.
Operation Safe Corridor was established in 2015, and and the Programme is under the Federal Government to support the deradicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration of low-risk individuals formally associated with terrorists and violent extremist groups who luntary surrender.
The Chief of Defence Staff who was represented at the ceremony by Rear Admiral Kabir Tanimu, Director, Special Operations at the Defence Headquarters noted that the ceremony was a reminder that Security is not only by force, but it is about understanding, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Adding that it is a nation building where those who have strayed are given a structured path back under accountability, supervision and a frame work that priorities peace.
General Oluyede said, “This moment is not just a ceremony, it is nostalgic and a statement of progress, a demonstration of national resolve and a testimony to the power of strategic thinking in addressing human dimensions of conflict.
“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 disintegration.
” Today, we are witnessing the outcome of that belief as 744 individuals who once stood on the fringes of conflicts are now being given a structured pathway back into the society.
“This is not a reward but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, weaken extremist recruitment and promote long-term stability”.
He encouraged all the stakeholders involved in the programme to sustain the gain of the programme already achieved, most especially the state governments and the communities.
“As we move forward, the responsibility now extends to the state governments, communities and all stakeholders involved in this reintegration. Reception, monitoring and community acceptance remain critical to sustaining the gains achieved today. This must be a collective effort.” He said.
The Chief of Defence Staff while congratulating the graduating clients, believing that the programme has given them the opportunity for reflection and change for the new beginning.
He also advised them that when they return back to their communities, they should reject all forms of violence and extremism. Warning that Nigeria is giving them a second chance, and they should not waste it.
“I congratulate all the graduating clients.
and let me speak directly to you. This programme has given you an opportunity for reflection, for a change and for a new beginning.
“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. Nigeria is giving you a second chance, do not waste it.” General Oluyede advised.
The Chief of Defence Staff commended the staff and multi agency structure of Operation Safe Corridor which he said have continue to stand as a model of coordination and cooperation.
He also noted that the armed forces, security agencies, ministries and civil institutions have worked together seamlessly to deliver this programme.
“This reflects what can be achieved when institutions align under a shared national objective.
“I also wish to especially recognise our partners, particularly the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Centre for Democracy and Development Intermediates, Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria and the international community of the Red Cross for their continued support to Operation Safe Corridor,”he stated.
Adding that their contributions have strengthened our capacity, improved programme delivery and reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to non-kinetic approaches in conflict resolution.
The Chief of Defence Staff who also commissioning the de-radicalisation studio, saying that with the commissioning of the studio, the facility represents a strategic evolution in our approach, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to securing our nation through both kinetic and non-kinetic means.
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator, Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali explained that the graduation ceremony of 744 clients at the De-radicalisation Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp Malam Sidi underscores the importance attached to the programme and the collective commitment to sustaining peace, security, stability, and development in Nigeria.
He said Operation Safe Corridor was established as a deliberate strategic response to address the human dimensions of insurgency, while military operations continue to degrade and neutralise threats.
Noting that lasting peace requires a structured pathway for development, disengagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration of those willing to renounce violence.
” Today’s event is a reflection of that vision in action,” she stated.
He said that over the past months, these clients have undergone a comprehensive programme that includes psychosocial support, vocational training, religious reorientation, educational reform, civic education, and behavioural transformation.
According to Brigadier General Ali, “the
process is not merely about disengagement. It is about building and rebuilding identity, restoring values, and preparing individuals to return to society as responsible citizens. Graduating here today are individuals who at one point had normal lives.
“They have their dreams. They have visions and aspirations. However, due to circumstances beyond their control, many were abducted, coerced, or drawn into the complexities of conflicts, thereby losing the opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
“Some were victims of manipulation, others of force, and many of circumstances beyond their control.
“But today marks a turning point. From this moment, they have been given the opportunity to reclaim their identity, rebuild their lives, and pursue a future defined not by conflict but by purpose,” he declared.
The Coordinator of OPSC acknowledged the unwavering support and guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the National Security Committee, Operation Safe Corridor, whose leadership has continued to strengthen the structure, credibility, and impact of the programme.
He also expressed his appreciation to partners, particularly the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Centre for Development and Democracy, the Intermediate, the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, and the International Committee of the Red Cross for their contributions to enhanced the programme delivery and strengthened institutional capacity, thereby enabling us to innovate responses to emerging challenges.
He also advised the graduating clients to become ambassadors of positive change in their communities and the country at large.
“You have been given the opportunity to start life afresh. What lies ahead depends on your commitment to the values you have learned here at the Centre.
“You are returning to your communities not as the same individual who came in, but as people who have been prepared for a different positive path, make the right choices.” He said.
In his remarks also, the Commander DRR Camp, Operation Safe Corridor, Col. MD Bello disclosed that the DRR Programme since inception in 2016, about 3,325 clients have graduated successful including the recent ones.
The ceremony which has goodwill messages from IOM, ICRC, NEMA, Representative of Gombe State Governor, Traditional leaders, Religious leaders and many others, also witnessed take away expendable items to graduating clients, presentation of awards to deserving ones, as well as presentation of starter pack to the clients, among other things.
