The Federal Government has introduced a new operational framework to strengthen the reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence.
The framework was unveiled 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.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, said the initiative is part of Nigeria's strategy to address insecurity through both military and non-military approaches while promoting long-term peace in communities affected by conflict.
Laka said the SOPs were developed to provide clear operational guidance for agencies implementing the government's DDR programme. According to him, the procedures are designed to improve coordination, accountability, transparency and collaboration among security institutions and civilian agencies.
He explained that the government considered the existing policy framework insufficient for implementation, prompting the development of a more detailed operational structure.
Laka said the SOPs were produced after consultations with relevant stakeholders and were informed by Nigeria's security experience, international best practices and the country's operating environment.
He added that the framework clearly defines the responsibilities of participating institutions, establishes common implementation standards and aims to improve the delivery of reintegration programmes across the country.
According to Laka, the new procedures translate the objectives of the National DDR Framework into practical guidance for implementing agencies, providing a structured approach to reintegration efforts nationwide.
