The Federal Government has unveiled a new operational framework aimed at strengthening the reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence, as part of efforts to promote lasting peace and improve security across the country.
The initiative was unveiled on Monday in Abuja by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser during the National Validation Workshop on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme at the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.
Speaking at the workshop, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, said the new framework forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to tackle insecurity through non-military approaches while fostering sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities.
He explained that the Standard Operating Procedures were developed to ensure a coordinated, transparent and effective implementation of the Federal Government’s DDR programme.
According to him, the framework provides practical guidance for institutions responsible for implementing the programme, while promoting accountability, collaboration and operational efficiency among relevant agencies.
Framework Backed by Consultations
Laka noted that the Federal Government recognised the need for a more detailed implementation framework beyond the existing national policy on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration.
He said the procedures were developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and were informed by Nigeria’s security realities, national experiences and international best practices.
The framework, he added, clearly defines the roles of participating institutions, strengthens coordination between security and civilian agencies, and establishes uniform standards for implementing reintegration programmes nationwide.
“Recognising that a policy framework alone is insufficient to guide implementation, the NCTC and its partners developed a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures to translate the strategic objectives of the National DDR Framework into practical guidance for implementing institutions,” he said.
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The new procedures will initially be implemented at the federal level and in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states, with the government hoping the framework will enhance the effectiveness of reintegration programmes and contribute to lasting peace, stability and the prevention of violent extremism across Nigeria.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.