The Nigerian Army has announced plans to de-radicalize members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) whose organization had been classified as a terrorist group and proscribed by the Federal government.
The Army’s plans also coincides with the conclusion of its controversial Operation Python Dance in the South-east.
Director, Nigerian Army Civil-Military Affairs, Brigadier Gen. Solomon Kumapaye, said this in Abuja on Monday, during a visit to the Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari.
He said the de-radicalization and counter-narrative initiative of the Nigerian Army is yielding result in the North-east, citing the ongoing programme for Boko Haram ex-members.
Kumapaye explained that the directorate was created to drive the non-kinetic aspects of warfare and ensure the rights of civilians are respected in military operations.
The Army chief added that there is a working toll-free Short Code: 193 which the public can use to reach his department to make enquiries.
Brigadier Gen. Kumapaye promised “prompt response on enquiries our work or complaints on the conduct of our personnel”.
Responding, the NOA boss assured that his agency would provide the sensitisation and counter-narrative materials in Borno and Gombe, through Operation Lafiya Dole and Safe Corridor of the army.
Calling for inputs from traditional and religious leaders on the de-radicalization programme, Abari hailed the Army for establishing a civil rights desk in line with international best practices.