The Federal Government has unveiled a new operational framework aimed at improving the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence as part of efforts to tackle insecurity through both military and non-military strategies.
The initiative was announced on Monday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, during the National Validation Workshop on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the DDR programme at the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.
According to Laka, the new Standard Operating Procedures are designed to provide a clear roadmap for implementing the government's reintegration programme while promoting lasting peace and stability in communities affected by violent conflicts.
He explained that the SOPs would improve coordination among security agencies, government institutions and other stakeholders responsible for implementing the programme, while also strengthening transparency, accountability and collaboration.
Laka said the Federal Government recognised that the existing policy framework alone was not sufficient to ensure effective implementation, prompting the development of more detailed operational guidelines.
According to him, the framework was developed after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and incorporates lessons from Nigeria's security experiences as well as international best practices.
"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," Laka said.
The NCTC added that the new procedures clearly define the responsibilities of participating institutions, establish uniform standards for reintegration programmes nationwide, and are expected to improve cooperation between security and civilian agencies.
The framework will initially be implemented at the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara, with the aim of creating a more coordinated and sustainable approach to addressing violent extremism and supporting the rehabilitation of former fighters.