The Federal Government of Nigeria has graduated 744 individuals previously linked to terrorist groups after successfully completing its Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme.

The graduation followed the conclusion of a 24-week intensive course organised by the Defence Headquarters under Operation Safe Corridor at the Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the programme is designed to encourage defections from terrorist groups by offering a “corridor of opportunities” through structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts as part of the government’s strategy to end the long-running insurgency.

While at the camp, the participants underwent vocational training in skills such as carpentry, barbing, tailoring, welding, bakery operations, vulcanising, and various agricultural programmes.

These trainings aim to prepare them for productive lives after reintegration into society.

The graduates will also receive starter packs to support their self-sufficiency and smooth transition back into civilian life.

Operation Safe Corridor is a non-kinetic component of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, primarily targeting low-risk defectors who voluntarily surrender.

Participants undergo rigorous screening, psycho-social support, and skills acquisition to reduce the risk of recidivism and weaken terrorist organisations from within.

This latest batch adds to thousands of individuals who have passed through similar rehabilitation initiatives in recent years, according to updates from the Defence Headquarters.

The Federal Government has maintained that the programme is not an amnesty but a targeted intervention that complements ongoing military operations in the North-East and other affected areas.

The 2.5km road under construction. Credit : Facebook

The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 2.5-kilometre road linking Aji, Isiugwu, and Ufodo communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Peter Ogbonna Eze, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Eze said that the road project being handled by JRB Construction Company Limited was initiated through his office but is being funded by the Federal Government.

He emphasised that the project is aimed at improving rural connectivity and economic activity. also connects neighbouring Kogi State, is expected to improve access to farms, schools, and markets, thereby boosting livelihoods in the affected communities..

He added that the first kilometre is nearing completion, with asphalt laying and drainage works ongoing.

“This is a 2.5km road linking three communities, Aji, Isiugwu, and Ufodo. The project is ongoing, and the first kilometre is nearing completion. Once the asphalt is laid, we will move to commission it,” he said.

The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) started today nationwide , said the organiser – the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)

JAMB discloses that more than 2.2 million candidates will be writing the examination across accredited centres from April 16 to April 22 in multiple sessions scheduled daily.

Each examination day is divided into four sessions to reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and enhance biometric verification processes.

For the 2026 UTME, about 966 CBT centres are participating, each required to meet operational standards, including functional computer systems, stable connectivity and trained personnel.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, charged examination officials to demonstrate maximum commitment and professionalism.

He emphasised that the success of the UTME largely depends on their performance and dedication to duty.