We can achieve intel, stability via controlled rehabilitation of terrorists – CDS

• Bago expresses worry over displacements by terrorists
• Jihadists’ expansion into Benin red flag for Nigeria’s security, says Nextier

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Olufemi Oluyede, said the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) has processed thousands of terrorists through a controlled and integrity-driven Disarmament, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) framework since its inception in 2016.

He said the country could achieve stability and gather intelligence through the process.

However, Niger State Governor, Muhammad Bago, expressed concern over an unspecified number of people and communities displaced as a result of the activities of terrorists and bandits in the state.

Meanwhile, security analysts sounded a fresh warning over the growing footprint of jihadist groups in Benin Republic, cautioning that the development poses grave security and economic implications for Nigeria.

“When properly screened and coordinated, surrender pathways degrade insurgent cohesion, generate actionable intelligence and support long-term stability,” the CDS said.

Oluyede made the remarks at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with the OPSC, to finalise modalities for the transfer of rehabilitated clients to their respective national and state authorities for reintegration.

The meeting brought together representatives of federal ministries, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), state governments, neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Also, representatives of international partners such as Norway, United Kingdom (UK), European Union (EU), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and other development partners, attended the meeting.

The CDS, who doubles as Chairman, OPSC National Steering Committee, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to peacebuilding and national recovery.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Operations at the DHQ, Maj-Gen Jamal Abdusalam, the CDS described OPSC as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.

Bago, while speaking to newsmen after a special prayer organised in commemoration of his 52nd birthday, at the Government House, Minna, stated that he dedicated his 52nd birthday to prayers for an end to the rising cases of insecurity in parts of Niger and the nation at large.

The governor stressed that there’s no better time to pray for God’s mercy and intervention than now.