Brig-Gen. Yusuf Ali insists Nigeria’s deradicalisation initiative is working, says no verified case of ex-insurgents returning to violence

The Nigerian military has firmly defended the integrity of its Operation Safe Corridor programme, dismissing claims that former insurgents are returning to violent activities after rehabilitation.

Coordinator of the initiative, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, stated that there is no verified evidence of any participant relapsing into terrorism or criminality since completing the deradicalisation process. He described such allegations as misleading and inconsistent with realities on the ground.

Speaking during an interview, Ali emphasised that Operation Safe Corridor remains a comprehensive and structured programme designed to transform repentant insurgents into law-abiding citizens. According to him, the initiative includes rigorous screening procedures, psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and carefully managed reintegration into society.

He further explained that the process does not end at rehabilitation, noting that continuous monitoring is carried out in collaboration with state governments, security agencies, community leaders, and traditional institutions to ensure long-term compliance and stability.

Ali also clarified that contrary to some misconceptions, the programme does not enlist former insurgents into the military. Instead, responsibility for their reintegration is shared with local communities and stakeholders, who play a key role in supporting their transition and preventing relapse.

The military maintains that Operation Safe Corridor remains a critical non-kinetic strategy in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, aimed at reducing violence while promoting sustainable peace and community recovery.