In a significant move toward restoring peace and security, the Nigerian military has commenced the deradicalization process for 800 former Boko Haram fighters who voluntarily surrendered. This was disclosed through an official announcement on the X handle of Nigerian Stories, highlighting ongoing efforts to reintegrate ex-militants into society.
The Defense Headquarters emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb insurgency by offering defectors a path to rehabilitation. The program, which involves psychological counseling, vocational training, and ideological reorientation, aims to equip the former insurgents with the skills and mindset necessary to reintegrate as law-abiding citizens.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to addressing security challenges through a mix of military action and non-kinetic approaches. While the reintegration process has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, security experts argue that deradicalization is a crucial step toward lasting peace.
As the nation watches the progress of these ex-fighters, the question remains: can deradicalization truly heal the wounds of insurgency and rebuild communities ravaged by years of terror?
PIONEER NEWS 