Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
The Benue State Government has formally requested federal approval to establish a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration centre aimed at rehabilitating individuals identified as repentant bandits within the state. The proposal forms part of broader conflict management and peace restoration efforts in parts of north-central Nigeria that have experienced prolonged insecurity.
The initiative was disclosed by Josephine Habba, Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, who told journalists in Makurdi that the programme is designed to provide a structured pathway for reforming individuals drawn into banditry under coercive circumstances.
Habba explained that the proposed rehabilitation framework is intended primarily for lower-level operatives described as “foot soldiers” rather than principal planners of criminal networks. She stated that biometric profiling conducted by the commission has identified more than 1,800 persons associated with security concerns, with approximately 400 individuals reportedly expressing willingness to participate in rehabilitation processes.
According to the commission’s assessment, many of the targeted participants were allegedly recruited or coerced into criminal groups and were assigned operational roles rather than leadership functions. Authorities argue that social reintegration programmes can reduce recidivism by addressing economic deprivation, social exclusion and forced criminal association that sometimes drive participation in armed groups.
The proposed rehabilitation programme is expected to run between six months and one year. During this period, participants will undergo behavioural counselling, vocational training and civic reorientation exercises. Officials stated that graduates of the programme would receive certification after completion of the rehabilitation cycle.
The reintegration component of the initiative will also focus on restoring destroyed livelihoods in communities affected by banditry. Government planners say support packages may be provided to victims and rehabilitated individuals through agricultural assistance, skills acquisition programmes and small-scale economic empowerment schemes.
Habba further disclosed that consultations have been held with religious and security stakeholders, including the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Isaac Dugu, and officials associated with the national Safe Corridor programme. The discussions were reportedly aimed at aligning the proposed state initiative with existing federal rehabilitation strategies.
She noted that the state government intends to formally approach the Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, seeking approval for the establishment of the facility. According to her, a federal security committee is expected to evaluate the proposed centre to ensure compliance with operational and safety standards before implementation proceeds.
The planned DDR centre is expected to be located in Logo Local Government Area. Although officials have not publicly disclosed the exact budgetary allocation, the project is projected to cost several million naira, reflecting the infrastructural, security and training requirements associated with such rehabilitation programmes.
The proposal has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders. Supporters argue that reintegration programmes can reduce violent conflict by offering alternative livelihoods and encouraging disengagement from armed networks. They point to international conflict-resolution models where former combatants were provided with structured rehabilitation pathways.
However, critics express concern that rehabilitation schemes for armed actors could provoke public backlash in communities that have suffered from bandit attacks. Some residents worry that resources allocated to rehabilitation might be perceived as prioritising perpetrators over victims of violence.
Security analysts emphasize that DDR programmes must be carefully implemented with strict eligibility screening, continuous monitoring and community acceptance mechanisms. They argue that successful reintegration depends on balancing justice, security enforcement and social reconciliation.
Benue State has experienced recurring security challenges involving farmer-herder conflicts, armed banditry and communal violence in several local government areas. Authorities hope the proposed DDR centre will complement ongoing military operations and peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Government officials said details of the programme will be formally presented during a peace summit scheduled for February 25, 2026, where the comprehensive operational framework is expected to be unveiled.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments