NOA Pledges Support for Operation Safe Corridor, Seeks to Reframe Public Narrative community

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has pledged strategic support for Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), a federal initiative focused on deradicalizing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating repentant ex-combatants, particularly from Boko Haram, into society. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Coordinator of OSC, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, and his team to the Agency's headquarters in Abuja today 2nd of May, 2025.

Receiving the delegation, the Director General of NOA acknowledged widespread public misinformation about OSC, describing the programme as essential for national peace and security. He admitted to previously harboring reservations due to limited understanding but affirmed a newfound appreciation of the initiative’s objectives and logic. He emphasised that many of the programme’s beneficiaries were not ideological extremists but victims of abduction, coercion, or manipulation during insurgent occupation in the northeast. The DG stressed the importance of community-based reintegration, noting that without local and government support, many ex-combatants remain isolated and vulnerable.

He praised the military and security agencies for their efforts, lamenting the lack of public appreciation they often face. He also called for increased public education to counter negative narratives and promote national unity. Brig. Gen. Ali, in his remarks underscored the need for a national partnership in addressing insecurity through both kinetic and non-kinetic means. Highlighting OSC's multi-phase process are profiling, screening, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Gen. Ali explained that the programme has been running for nearly a decade with support from UN agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, and religious institutions. He, however, expressed concern about stigmatisation and misinformation that hinder reintegration and national cohesion.