The Benue State Government has formally sought the approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) centre to rehabilitate about 400 repentant local bandits.
The Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Josephine Habba, disclosed this on Monday in Makurdi. She said the initiative is part of a broader peace-building strategy aimed at addressing insecurity and breaking the cycle of violence in affected communities.
Habba explained that biometric data compiled by the commission shows that over 1,800 individuals have so far been profiled, with about 400 indicating willingness to surrender and undergo rehabilitation.
“These persons are not necessarily hardened criminals but were taken in to do dirty jobs for those operating in the forests. Many were recruited because they could move freely without being recognised,” she said.
According to her, the DDR programme is designed to reform individuals who were drawn into criminality under coercion or difficult socio-economic conditions, describing many of them as “foot soldiers” rather than masterminds of violent activities.
She revealed that the commission has developed a comprehensive framework for the programme, which will be officially unveiled at a peace summit scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The rehabilitation phase is expected to last between six months and one year, after which participants will graduate and be issued certificates.
“My commission has worked out a comprehensive plan that will be unveiled at the peace summit. The programme will run for between six months and one year, after which participants will graduate and receive certificates,” Habba stated.
She added that the reintegration phase would focus not only on the former fighters but also on restoring destroyed livelihoods and supporting affected communities to ensure lasting peace.
Habba further stressed that she and the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Isaac Dugu, had engaged officials of the federal government’s de-radicalisation initiative, Operation Safe Corridor, and advised that the state governor formally approach the Chief of Defence Staff for necessary approval.
“The Chief of Defence Staff has indicated that a committee will be set up to assess the proposed facility. If it meets required standards, further steps will be taken,” she said.
The proposed DDR centre is expected to be sited in Logo Local Government Area and is projected to cost several millions of naira, pending federal clearance and technical evaluation.