The Federal Government has introduced a new operational framework to strengthen the reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence as part of efforts to improve security and promote lasting peace across Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, unveiled the initiative on Monday in Abuja during the National Validation Workshop on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) at the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.
Laka said the framework forms part of Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism strategy, which combines non-military approaches with security operations to address insecurity and support long-term peace and stability in conflict-affected communities.
According to him, the new Standard Operating Procedures are designed to ensure the effective and coordinated implementation of the government’s DDR programme, while providing practical guidelines for institutions responsible for carrying out the initiative.
He explained that the procedures will strengthen accountability, improve transparency, enhance collaboration among security and civilian agencies, and establish uniform standards for reintegration programmes nationwide.
Laka noted that the Federal Government considered it necessary to develop a more detailed operational structure beyond the existing policy framework. He added that the SOPs were produced after extensive consultations with stakeholders and were informed by Nigeria’s security realities as well as international best practices.
He further stated that the framework clearly defines the responsibilities of participating institutions and translates the strategic objectives of the National DDR Framework into practical guidance for implementing agencies.
“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.
