The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has praised Nigeria’s “Operation Safe Corridor” programme, describing it as a model initiative for rehabilitating and reintegrating former insurgents into society.
Deputy Director-General of Operations, Ogechi Daniels, gave the commendation during a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. She noted that the programme, initially focused on the North-East, has now been extended to the North-West and North-Central regions.
Daniels said the IOM is ready to deploy experts in disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, and reconciliation (DDRR) to support expansion into new areas such as Zamfara. She also highlighted the need to strengthen disaster risk reduction data, improve border management, and sustain early warning systems.
According to her, IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence the fourth phase of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration projects. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons, while promoting development and joint research to ensure long-term sustainability.
In his response, Gen. Musa commended the IOM’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria, particularly in the North-East. He assured that the Armed Forces would continue to collaborate with the organisation and other stakeholders despite limited resources, noting that every support makes their work easier.
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