The Federal Government has introduced a new operational framework to strengthen the rehabilitation and reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence, saying the initiative is designed to complement military operations by addressing the root causes of extremism and improving community-based peacebuilding.
The Federal Government has taken another step in its non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity with the introduction of a new framework aimed at improving the rehabilitation and reintegration of former terrorists and other persons who renounce armed violence.
Officials say the initiative is intended to work alongside ongoing military operations by helping reduce the risk of recidivism while supporting long-term peace and stability in affected communities.
According to government officials, the framework establishes clearer operational guidelines for agencies involved in the rehabilitation, deradicalisation and reintegration process.
The policy also places greater emphasis on community participation, psychosocial support, vocational training, victim-sensitive approaches and closer coordination among security agencies and civil authorities responsible for implementing reintegration programmes.
Authorities said defeating insurgency requires more than battlefield victories, stressing that sustainable peace also depends on preventing former fighters from returning to violence.
The government maintained that the framework forms part of its broader strategy to combine military pressure with dialogue, rehabilitation and community resilience in areas affected by insurgency.
The announcement comes amid ongoing public debate over Nigeria’s deradicalisation and reintegration programmes.
While supporters argue that rehabilitation can encourage defections and reduce violence, critics have repeatedly questioned whether former insurgents should be reintegrated before justice is fully served for victims. The National Assembly has recently also debated the future of such programmes.
With the new operational framework now unveiled, attention will shift to its implementation and whether it succeeds in balancing national security objectives with the concerns of victims and communities affected by terrorism. The government says the initiative is intended to strengthen—not replace—ongoing military efforts against insurgency.