Nigerian gov't sets up camp for repentant Boko Haram fighters

Nigeria’s Defence Ministry has started a programme “Operation Safe Corridor”, aimed at rehabilitating former fighters of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

The programme is part of efforts by the government to counter the insurgency being waged by the militant group since 2009.

Acting Director of Defence Information, General Rabe Abubakar said the programme will focus on helping members of the terrorist group who want to be absolved into the society, reports the Nigerian Voice.

“The main focus of Operation Safe Corridor is geared towards rehabilitating and reintegrating the repentant and the surrendering Boko Haram members back into normal life in the society”.

He said the repentant members will be taken through various vocational training so that they can be useful to themselves and be gainfully employed as well as contribute to the growth of their communities.

General Abubakar urged other insurgents still bearing arms to repent and benefit from the numerous opportunities offered by the programme.

He warned that the military’s final onslaught against the remnants of the Boko Haram group would be sustained until they are completely neutralized.

“The reluctant Boko Haram members should therefore see wisdom in surrendering now, thereby saving themselves from the imminent calamity that is about to fall on them in the event of the military mop-up if they continue in their unwholesome acts,” he said.

However, the North East Recovery and peace Building Assessment team has announced that the economic impact of the Boko Haram conflict in the region has hit $9 billion.

The team said it would need $6 billion to undertake recovery efforts in the crisis-hit area.