The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has confirmed 789 former terrorists currently participating in the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme under the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) initiative.

This is even as the military is gearing up to reintegrate 381 ex-Boko Haram fighters into society. The move is also part of the OPSC initiative to deradicalise, rehabilitate, and reintegrate former insurgents.

The CDS said the programme was initiated due to the mass surrender of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province members. Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, AVM Sayo Olatunde, made this known at the OPSC Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

He said more than 120,000 insurgents and their families had surrendered since the inception of the programme, adding that the 789 ex-combatants are to graduate within the year.

Commander, OPSC, Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, in his remarks, said the operation was a multi-agency humanitarian scheme backed by extant legislation and international humanitarian and human rights laws.

SIMILARLY, the Force Headquarters affirmed payment of N20.84 billion to 7,171 families of slain police officers from 2020 to 2025. This disclosure was made yesterday when the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, presented cheques to next-of-kin of officers, who died in the line of duty.

He noted that through sustained efforts, the force had successfully disbursed benefits to 6,465 beneficiaries in eight phases, amounting to N17.8 billion. Further demonstrating this commitment, the IGP announced the disbursement of an additional N2.99 billion to 706 beneficiaries, covering policy years of 2020–2024.

“This ninth phase brings the total insurance benefits paid to N20.84 billion, benefiting 7,171 families,” he said.