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  • 744 Repentant Terrorists Graduate from FG De-radicalisation Programme, Face Fresh Debate Over Reintegration

    A total of 744 repentant terrorists and victims of violent extremism have graduated from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor, reigniting national debate over Nigeria’s strategy for handling former insurgents.

    What happened

    The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday in Gombe State, where military officials and government representatives confirmed the completion of the programme by the 744 participants drawn from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

    A breakdown shows the majority, 597 participants, are from Borno State, while others came from Yobe, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau, and several other states.

    Foreign nationals from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and the Niger Republic were also part of the cohort.

    Military explains programme

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the initiative as a strategic security tool rather than a reward for violence.

    Represented by Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, he said the programme addresses the root causes of extremism while supporting long-term peacebuilding efforts.

    “This is not a reward but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, weaken extremist recruitment and promote long-term stability,” he said.

    He added that while military operations remain essential, rehabilitation and reintegration are necessary for sustainable peace.

    Training and rehabilitation process

    Officials said participants underwent extensive rehabilitation, including psychosocial therapy, vocational training, civic education, religious reorientation, and behavioural reform.

    According to Brig. Gen. Yusuf Ali, the programme is designed not just for disengagement, but for rebuilding identity and reintegration into society.

    “Some were abducted, others were forced, and many were drawn into the conflict due to circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

    Call for community support

    Authorities stressed that reintegration will require cooperation from state governments, communities, and families.

    The Defence Headquarters warned that acceptance and monitoring of the graduates will be critical to sustaining peace gains.

    “Nigeria is giving you a second chance; do not waste it,” the CDS told the graduates.

    Concerns and criticism

    Despite government backing, Operation Safe Corridor has continued to face criticism from sections of the public and political figures.

    Critics argue that some beneficiaries may return to insurgency, raising concerns about national security and accountability in the programme.

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole has previously called for the suspension of the initiative, citing fears of recidivism among repentant fighters.

    Wider security context

    The programme was introduced as part of Nigeria’s broader counter-insurgency strategy in the North-East, combining military action with non-kinetic approaches aimed at reducing radicalisation and encouraging reintegration.

    While supporters say it helps weaken extremist recruitment networks, debates continue over its long-term effectiveness in addressing insecurity.

  • Nigeria Debt Hits N159.28trn as Burden per Citizen Climbs to ₦724,000

    Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to N159.28 trillion as of December 31, 2025, with each citizen now carrying an estimated burden of about ₦724,000, according to fresh data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

    Debt surge in latest figures

    The latest figures show a steady increase in the country’s debt profile, rising from N153.29 trillion recorded in September 2025.

    This represents a quarterly increase of N5.98 trillion, equivalent to 3.9 percent growth within three months.

    On a year-on-year basis, the debt rose by N14.61 trillion from N144.67 trillion in December 2024, reflecting a 10.1 percent increase.

    What is driving the increase

    The rise is largely driven by increased domestic borrowing, which continues to form the bulk of Nigeria’s debt structure.

    Notably, the figure does not yet include the recently approved N8.3 trillion loan from the United Arab Emirates and UK Export Finance, suggesting the total debt could climb further in the coming months.

    Breakdown of the debt

    Domestic debt accounts for the largest share at N84.85 trillion, representing 53.27 percent of the total.

    Out of this, the Federal Government holds N80.49 trillion, while states and the Federal Capital Territory account for N4.36 trillion.

    External debt stands at N74.43 trillion, making up 46.73 percent of the total debt stock.

    In dollar terms, Nigeria’s external debt is estimated at $51.86 billion, with the Federal Government responsible for N66.27 trillion and states and the FCT accounting for N8.16 trillion.

    Debt in dollar terms

    Overall, Nigeria’s total debt rose from $103.94 billion to $110.97 billion within the period under review.

    This reflects the combined impact of fresh borrowing and exchange rate movements on the country’s obligations.

    Rising concerns

    The growing debt profile has continued to raise concerns over fiscal sustainability, especially as debt servicing costs increase.

    With Nigeria’s population estimated at about 220 million, the data highlights the mounting financial pressure tied to government borrowing.

    Outlook

    The Central Bank of Nigeria projects that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio could reach about 34 percent by 2026.

    This points to continued reliance on borrowing as the government navigates economic challenges and funding gaps.