The Benue State Government has sought authorisation from the Federal Government to create a Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) centre aimed at rehabilitating repentant local bandits within the state.

Josephine Habba, the Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, announced this during a Monday press conference in Makurdi.

She clarified that the proposed program intends to reform individuals coerced or driven into banditry by tough circumstances, describing many as mere "foot soldiers” rather than masterminds of criminal enterprises.

Biometric data collected by the commission show that over 1,800 individuals have been profiled, with around 400 expressing willingness to participate in rehabilitation. “These individuals are not necessarily criminals but were enlisted to do menial tasks for those in the forest.

Many were recruited because they could move unnoticed," Habba explained. “My commission has developed a detailed plan that will be unveiled at a peace summit scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The program is expected to last from six months to a year, culminating in graduation and certification for participants," she added. She also highlighted that the reintegration process would involve restoring ruined livelihoods and supporting affected communities.

Habba further disclosed that she, along with Bishop Isaac Dugu of Katsina-Ala Diocese, had engaged with officials of the Safe Corridor program and advised the state governor to formally seek approval from the Chief of Defence Staff.

“The Chief of Defence Staff has indicated that a committee will be set up to assess the proposed facility. If it meets required standards, further steps will be taken,” she said. The proposed DDR centre is expected to be located in Logo Local Government Area and is projected to cost millions of naira.