The Federal Government has introduced a new operational framework aimed at strengthening the reintegration of former terrorists and other individuals involved in armed violence, as part of efforts to complement military operations with sustainable peacebuilding initiatives.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, disclosed this 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 initiative forms part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to address insecurity through non-kinetic measures while promoting lasting peace and stability in communities affected by violent conflict.
He explained that the newly developed SOPs are designed to ensure the effective and coordinated implementation of the government's DDR programme by providing clear operational guidelines for all institutions involved.
According to him, the procedures will strengthen accountability, transparency and collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and other stakeholders responsible for executing the reintegration programme.
Laka noted that although Nigeria already has a National DDR Framework, the government recognised the need for a more comprehensive operational structure to translate policy objectives into practical implementation.
He said the SOPs were developed following extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and were informed by Nigeria's security realities as well as lessons drawn from international best practices.
The NCTC added that the framework clearly defines the responsibilities of participating institutions, enhances coordination between security and civilian agencies, and establishes uniform standards for implementing reintegration programmes across the country.
"Recognising that a policy framework alone is insufficient to guide implementation, the NCTC and its partners subsequently developed a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures to translate the strategic objectives of the National DDR Framework into practical guidance for implementing institutions.
"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.
The Federal Government believes the framework will improve the effectiveness of its Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme, strengthen institutional coordination, and contribute to long-term peace and security in regions affected by terrorism and armed violence.
