This invention relates to methods and apparatus for reducing NOx in combustion effluent gases which comprise a two-stage injection process. NHi precursors (such as liquid-phase urea or ammonium hydroxide, or the like) are injected into the flue gas at temperatures greater than 1400 DEG F. in a first injection zone to reduce NO to nitrogen. This step is followed by injecting a peroxyl initiator, such as a hydrocarbon material (for example, methanol) into the flue gas at temperatures less than 1400 DEG F. to oxidize residual NO to NO2 in a second injection zone.