NOA vows strategic backing for reintegration of repentant Boko Haram
National Orientation Agency NOA
Abdullateef Fowewe
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has declared robust support for Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), the federal government’s initiative aimed at deradicalising, rehabilitating, and reintegrating repentant ex-combatants, especially those formerly associated with Boko Haram, into society.
During a courtesy visit by OSC Coordinator, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, to the NOA headquarters in Abuja, on Friday, NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu addressed the challenge of public misunderstanding surrounding the programme.
This was made known in statement shared on the X (formally Twitter) handle of NOA.
Issa-Onilu admitted to once having reservations about OSC, stating, “I also had my doubts about the programme until I understood the logic and objectives. Many of the beneficiaries are not ideologically committed insurgents, but victims of abduction, coercion, or manipulation during the occupation of the northeast.
The DG established that community-based reintegration is vital, as without local and government support, these individuals remain isolated and vulnerable.
Issa-Onilu praised the military and security agencies for their efforts, lamenting the lack of public appreciation they often face, and called for increased public education to counter negative narratives and foster national unity.
Brig. Gen. Ali in his remark emphasised that OSC’s multi-phase process-profiling, screening, rehabilitation, and reintegration-has been operational for nearly a decade with support from UN agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, and religious institutions.
He warned that stigmatisation and misinformation continue to hinder successful reintegration and national cohesion.
