By Adebisi Adeyemi Lagos, Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has airlifted 43 surrendered Boko Haram insurgents
to Gombe; for a 16-week deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme
of Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), after surrendering to troops of
Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East sub-region of the country.
This was disclosed on Sunday in Maiduguri, by the Theatre Commander;
Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, while handing over
the surrendered terrorists to the commander of Operation Safe Corridor
at Maimalari Cantonment.
He assured the surrendered insurgents that they will be given a new
lease of life, as they commenced the journey back to the society
through deradicalisation and rehabilitation processes.
He urged the insurgents to embrace peace and undertake the programme
whole heart, adding that; “This will enable all of you benefit by
orienting your views about life and the society in general.”
Over 70 Boko Haram insurgents had earlier surrendered to the military,
and are undergoing the 16-week deradicalisation and rehabilitation
programme in Gombe village.
Speaking on the programme, Attahiru said: “The Safe Corridor is taking
the advantage of the window provided by the Federal Government for
insurgents, who are willing to give up terrorism and turn a new leaf
of surrender to any military location close to them.”
The Theatre Commander called on other insurgents to abandon the futile
struggle and reject the hypocrisy of Boko Haram leadership.
He said the leadership of “insurgency and terrorisms” lives in
affluence, while the foot soldiers die in hunger, while fighting war
in the bush and Mandara Hills and mountains.
