The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered are currently undergoing deradicalization as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society.

Speaking on Channels TV's Morning Brief, the Chief of Defense Training and Operations, Emeka Onumajuru, revealed that while a total of 129, 000 Boko Haram fighters and their families had surrendered, only a small fraction are part of the rehabilitation process. He clarified that many remain in custody in Kainji, where a special court is reviewing their cases to determine their legal status.

Onumajuru explained that those found guilty of crimes will face legal consequences, while others deemed suitable for rehabilitation are enrolled in the deradicalization program, which lasts approximately one year. Addressing concerns about whether one year is sufficient for reintegration, he assured that the process is managed by trained professionals.

"To get the numbers right, we have about 129, 000 surrendered Boko Haram members and their families. Not all of them are part of the program," Onumajuru stated. "Some remain in detention while a special court assesses their cases. Those found culpable face the law, while those eligible for rehabilitation undergo a structured process."