The Federal Government has introduced a new operational framework aimed at improving the reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence across the country.
The initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to tackle insecurity through non-military measures while supporting long-term peace and stability in conflict-affected communities.
The new framework, known as the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme, was unveiled on Monday during a national validation workshop held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, said the procedures were designed to ensure a coordinated and effective implementation of the government’s DDR programme.
According to him, the SOPs provide practical guidelines for institutions responsible for implementing the programme and are intended to strengthen accountability, transparency and collaboration among relevant agencies.
He explained that the Federal Government recognised the need for a more detailed operational structure beyond the existing policy framework. This, he said, led to the development of the procedures to help agencies translate policy objectives into measurable actions.
Laka noted that the framework was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and was informed by Nigeria’s security realities as well as lessons drawn from international best practices.
He said the procedures would clearly define the responsibilities of participating institutions, improve coordination among security and civilian agencies, and establish uniform standards for carrying out reintegration programmes across the country.
The NCTC coordinator stressed that respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law remained central to the implementation of the initiative.
He maintained that while military operations continue to play a major role in weakening terrorist and criminal networks, lasting peace cannot be achieved through force alone.
According to him, sustainable peace requires credible opportunities for individuals willing to renounce violence and return to lawful living.
“While kinetic operations remain indispensable in degrading terrorist and criminal networks, lasting peace can only be achieved when complemented by credible pathways that facilitate the transition of eligible individuals away from violence and support their safe reintegration into society,” he said.
Laka further revealed that consultations held across the six geopolitical zones showed strong support for a nationally coordinated reintegration framework that reflects local realities and enjoys community ownership.
He said participants in the consultations identified several security challenges confronting the country, including terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, organised crime and separatist violence.
According to him, the nature of these threats requires a comprehensive response that combines security operations with programmes that address the root causes of conflict.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the NCTC, Ambassador Abimbola Wońosikou, said the new procedures would help provide a unified national response to rising security threats.
She noted that although rehabilitation and reintegration programmes already exist in different parts of the country, there was a need for a standardised approach that would improve effectiveness and coordination nationwide.
Wońosikou said the framework would help ensure that interventions are implemented consistently and in line with national objectives.
Representatives of international partners also welcomed the development.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Department of Peace Operations’ DDR Section, Mario Nascimento commended the Nigerian government for adapting its reintegration strategy to reflect the changing nature of insecurity in the country.
He observed that Nigeria’s approach now goes beyond focusing solely on former fighters and places greater emphasis on strengthening communities affected by conflict.
Nascimento said successful reintegration cannot happen without the involvement of local communities, civil society organisations, government institutions and the private sector.
He stressed that long-term peace depends on collective efforts and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
The Federal Government has increasingly promoted both military and non-military strategies in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and armed criminal activities.
The newly validated procedures are expected to serve as a guide for federal agencies and pilot states, including Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara, as authorities seek to expand reintegration efforts and reduce the risk of former combatants returning to violence.
