Nigerian Defence Headquarters has disclosed that a total of 1,935 repentant Boko Haram terrorists have been released from the Bulumkutu camp in Borno State into Nigerian society between 2016 and 2022.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, revealed this information during a lecture at the opening session of a national security course on “Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication (PSYOPS)” organized by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Represented by Rear Admiral Daupreye Matthew, Director of Training at the Defence Headquarters, Gen. Musa emphasized the military’s commitment to a non-kinetic approach in addressing insecurity challenges.
Operation Safe Corridor, a crucial component of this approach, aims to encourage voluntary surrender, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former Boko Haram members into society.
Highlighting the success of non-kinetic efforts, Gen. Musa noted the surrender of over 2,000 Boko Haram members between 2016 and 2017, with 67% belonging to the Abubakar Shekau faction. Furthermore, 1,543 repentant terrorists graduated from the Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State.
The CDS reported that from July 2021 to May 4, 2022, a significant number of terrorists and their family members surrendered, with 13,360 identified as fighters.
In total, 51,828 individuals surrendered during this period. He added that the broader initiative has seen a cumulative total of 106,000 terrorists and their family members surrender in the North East.
This disclosure is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to employ a multifaceted approach, including rehabilitation and deradicalization programs, to address the Boko Haram insurgency and promote national security.