The Defence Headquarters Thursday said a total number of 602 repentant Boko Haram members have sworn an Oath of Allegiance to Nigeria under the Operation Safe Corridor.
Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major-General John Enenche, who disclosed this during a regular weekly briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, said the ex-insurgents have completed a deradicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration programme at Malam Sidi Camp took the Oath before an 11 member quasi-judicial panel.
The Defence Headquarters said the reason behind the Oath of Allegiance is to emphasize their loyalty, discipline and obedience to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby making a commitment.
According to him, the implication is that, at the end of the programme, if they commit any offence, they stand to forfeit all privileges and will be liable for an offence against the state.
“Meanwhile, in Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, 602 repentant Boko Haram members swore Oath of Allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The ex-insurgents who have completed de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration programme at Malam Sidi Camp took the Oath before an 11 member quasi-judicial panel.
“The reason behind the Oath of Allegiance is to emphasize their loyalty, discipline and obedience to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby making a commitment. The implication is that, at the end of the programme, if they commit any offence, they stand to forfeit all privileges and will be liable for an offence against the State.
He noted “It is heartwarming to state that Operation SAFE CORRIDOR has successfully coordinated the DRR programme for 882 ex Boko Haram members including the 280 earlier graduated. Thus, the message here is clear to others out there; surrender and be profiled accordingly for the DRR privilege.
Speaking further, Enenche added that troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whyl Stroke conducted several clearance patrols and air operations which resulted in tremendous successes at various locations within the North-Central zone.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 2 armed bandits who have been terrorizing innocent people of Chambe community in Logo LGA of Benue State. Following actionable Human Intelligence on the heinous activities of the armed herdsmen on 12 July 2020, the gallant troops tracked the bandits to a makeshift camp at the outskirt of Arufu village in the neighbouring Taraba State. After a gun duel, troops neutralized 2 of them while others fled in disarray with gun shot wounds. Arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
“As part of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, Operations SAFE HAVEN and WHIRL STROKE carried out some projects in this regard. These include the provision of borehole to a Fulani community at Miyangu and construction of school in Pashu community of Plateau State. Equally, Operation WHIRL STROKE has drilled three new boreholes at Guma LGA of Benue State.
“From the foregoing, peace is gradually returning to the troubled locations in the North-Central zone of the country, while the confidence of the local populace is being enhanced. Equally, farmers are gradually returning to their farms as a result of troops’ patrols in the hinterlands to deny armed herdsmen, rustlers and other criminals, freedom of action. In addition, the ongoing CIMIC activities is fostering the much desired Civil-Military Cooperation between troops and the local populace.
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