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 enhance peace and security across the country.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, announced the initiative on Monday in Abuja during the National Validation Workshop on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme at the federal level and in the pilot states of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.
Laka said the framework forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to address insecurity through non-kinetic measures while promoting long-term peace and stability in communities affected by conflict.
According to him, the SOPs are designed to ensure the effective and coordinated implementation of the government’s DDR programme by providing clear operational guidelines for institutions responsible for executing the initiative.
He explained that the procedures would enhance accountability, transparency and collaboration among relevant agencies while establishing uniform standards for implementing reintegration programmes nationwide.
Laka noted that the Federal Government recognised the need for a more detailed operational guide to complement the existing National DDR Framework, adding that the SOPs were developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders.
He said the framework draws on Nigeria’s security realities, national experiences and international best practices to improve coordination among security and civilian institutions.
“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.
