The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, has announced that Nigerian troops neutralized 92 terrorists between February 27 and March 6, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, General Kangye detailed ongoing military operations, reporting that troops also arrested 18 oil theft suspects and rescued 75 kidnapped hostages. Among those apprehended were gunrunners, oil theft collaborators, and other violent extremists. He also highlighted air support missions, including armed reconnaissance patrols and airstrikes targeting insurgents.
Operation Safe Corridor Expands to North-West
In a bid to enhance security, the Defence Headquarters has established Operation Safe Corridor in Nigeria’s North-West, with its headquarters in Tsafe, Zamfara State.
The initiative aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate repentant terrorists who voluntarily surrender their arms. During the handover of operational facilities, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to supporting security forces in combating crime and restoring peace.
A Structured Path to Reintegration
Operation Safe Corridor follows a five-phase approach:
- Disarmament
- Demobilization
- De-radicalization
- Rehabilitation
- Reintegration
Originally implemented in the North-East to reintegrate Boko Haram defectors, the program is now being expanded to the North-West to combat rising violence in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna.
With military operations intensifying and rehabilitation efforts expanding, security stakeholders hope to reduce violence and offer a pathway for ex-fighters to abandon criminality.