MAKURDI, Nigeria — The Benue State Government has said its planned rehabilitation facility is intended for young people forced or lured into local criminal gangs, not “repentant terrorists,” pushing back against what officials described as false reports about the centre’s purpose. Speaking in Makurdi on Monday, Josephine Habba, Director-General of the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission, said claims that the facility would house terrorists were “mischievous misrepresentations.” According to her, the programme is part of a broader peace and reintegration strategy focused on communities in Benue’s troubled Sankera axis — Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo local government areas — where armed banditry has persisted for years.
Habba said the state’s security challenge is often discussed mainly in the context of herder-farmer violence, but stressed that forced recruitment of youths into criminal networks is also a major driver of insecurity in parts of Benue. She said many of those involved were taken from markets, homes and roads and used as foot soldiers, aides and cooks by gang leaders.
State officials said that after assessments launched following Governor Hyacinth Alia’s visit to Katsina-Ala in early 2024, more than 1,800 people were profiled. Of that number, Habba said over 1,170 were found to have no prior criminal records. She added that more than 400 youths have already indicated willingness to leave the criminal groups, but warned that reintegration must be carefully managed to avoid re-recruitment.
The planned DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration) Centre in Anyiin, Logo LGA, will offer psychological support, vocational and livelihood training, certificates and start-up kits, alongside efforts to rebuild affected communities, Habba said. She emphasized that the centre is not designed for Boko Haram fighters or foreign militants, but for local youths caught up in bandit networks.
Multiple reports on Monday also referenced a forthcoming peace summit where the state plans to unveil a broader framework for reintegration and community recovery. While one version of the report cited February 25, 2025, newer reports and follow-up coverage indicate the intended date is February 25, 2026 — suggesting the earlier date was likely an error. The clarification comes amid heightened public sensitivity in Benue over security policy, amnesty-style programmes and accountability for violent crimes.
