The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced fresh Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to oversee the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) initiative for former insurgents. During a national workshop in Abuja on Monday, officials clarified that individuals suspected of committing major offenses remain subject to legal prosecution. These new guidelines aim to bolster transparency and inter-agency cooperation while standardizing the DDR process across the country.
Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), noted that these protocols were drafted following extensive engagement and align with Nigeria’s specific security needs and global standards. Laka emphasized that military intervention is insufficient to secure lasting stability, identifying the DDR framework as a vital component of the nation’s broader non-military security strategy.
Regional input from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones confirmed a demand for a community-centered approach to address diverse threats, including banditry, violent extremism, and farmer-herder conflicts. In support of this, state-level committees have been formed in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara. These bodies include stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, civil society, and security agencies.
Abimbola Wońosikou, the NCTC Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, reinforced that the DDR process provides no immunity for serious crimes, stressing that legal avenues will be pursued for offenders. Mario Nascimento, representing the United Nations, commended Nigeria’s holistic strategy, highlighting that successful reintegration requires deep collaboration with local communities and civil society rather than focusing solely on the former fighters themselves.
