Nigerian soldiers participate in an operation in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno, March 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Wale Salau)

ABUJA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government is working to ensure the total de-radicalization and rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram fighters before reintegrating them into society, defense chief Abayomi Olonisakin has said.

He told reporters Tuesday in the capital city of Abuja that the government was willing to encourage more members of the Boko Haram terror group to surrender and embrace peace.

According to Olonisakin, the government's key focus is to de-radicalize, rehabilitate and reintegrate the ex-fighters into society.

He said there are 96 ex-combatants currently in camp in the northeastern state of Gombe, while 565 women and children are also being prepared to undergo a 12-week rehabilitation program very shortly.