The Operation Safe Corridor of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday graduated 95 of the 254 ex-insurgents undergoing four months de-radicalisation training in Gombe State.
Brig.-Gen. Bamidele Shafa, Coordinator of the programme, said during the graduation that the clients were subjected to all kinds of training in skills acquisition, mainly cosmetology, barbing and shoe making.
“Our clients are enthusiastic and eager to practise what they have learnt after leaving the camp,” he said.
The coordinator said they would further the training with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in their various states.
Shafa said other trades like furniture making, tailoring and welding would be introduced soon.
He said the programme was also planning to introduce fish and poultry farming in the nearest future.
Giving the breakdown of the programme in camp, Col. Adetuyi Moses, Camp commander, said 20 of the 95 clients who graduated were minors.
He said the clients were subjected to skill acquisition and recreational activities.
He said the clients, during the de-radicalisation period, behaved in orderly manner.
Gen. Ajibola Olonisakin, Chief of Defense staff, said the clients were exposed to their religious canon through carefully selected clerics.
Represented by Rear Adm. Jonathan Ango, Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, Defense Headquarters, said funds and working tools would be given to each of them to enable them to start business.
Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo appealed to the public to treat them with equity and justice.
He also called on the public to patronise them, to enhance their various chosen careers. (NAN)