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Federal Government Unveils New Framework to Strengthen Reintegration of Former Terrorists
Federal Government Unveils New Framework to Strengthen Reintegration of Former Terrorists
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new operational framework aimed at improving the reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence across the country, as part of efforts to strengthen national security through coordinated non-military interventions.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, announced the development on Monday in Abuja during the National Validation Workshop on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) at the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.
Laka explained that the initiative forms a key component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to address insecurity by complementing military operations with structured reintegration programmes that promote lasting peace, stability and recovery in communities affected by conflict.
He stated that the newly developed Standard Operating Procedures were designed to ensure the coordinated, efficient and transparent implementation of the Federal Government’s DDR programme across the country.
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According to him, the SOPs provide practical guidance for institutions charged with implementing the programme, while strengthening accountability, transparency and collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
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The NCTC Coordinator noted that the Federal Government identified the need for a more comprehensive operational framework capable of translating existing policies into actionable procedures for effective implementation.
He added that the framework was developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders and was shaped by Nigeria’s unique security realities, as well as lessons drawn from international best practices in post-conflict recovery and reintegration.
Laka further explained that the Standard Operating Procedures clearly define the roles and responsibilities of participating institutions, improve coordination between security and civilian agencies, and establish uniform standards for implementing reintegration programmes nationwide.
“Recognising that a policy framework alone is insufficient to guide implementation, the NCTC and its partners subsequently developed a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures to translate the strategic objectives of the National DDR Framework into practical guidance for implementing institutions.
“These Standard Operating Procedures have been developed through extensive consultations and draw upon national experiences, international best practices, and the unique realities of the Nigerian context,“ he stated.
The Federal Government believes the new framework will enhance the effectiveness of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme, strengthen institutional coordination, and contribute to sustainable peace-building efforts in regions affected by terrorism, banditry and other forms of armed violence.
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