FG: 300 Repentant Terrorists Undergoing Rehabilitation, Over 2,600 Already Reintegrated
August 7, 2025 – Abuja
The Federal Government has disclosed that over 300 repentant terrorists are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State, as part of the ongoing Operation Safe Corridor deradicalisation and reintegration initiative.
This was revealed by Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), during a high-level stakeholders and donors’ meeting on Thursday in Abuja. The meeting focused on promoting livelihood and agricultural opportunities for ex-combatants and conflict-affected communities.
Laka noted that the ongoing programme is part of Nigeria’s non-kinetic approach to counter-terrorism and national security stabilization.
“Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, a Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme, has so far graduated over 2,600 low-risk former combatants, providing them with psychosocial support, vocational training, and reintegration assistance,” he said.
He added that the 300 individuals currently in rehabilitation were part of a fresh wave of voluntary surrenders, primarily from the North-West and North-Central regions of the country.
Expanding Reintegration Efforts Amid Challenges
Major General Laka further revealed that efforts are underway to design and implement region-specific DRR programmes in the North-West, given the increasing number of insurgents expressing willingness to surrender.
However, he warned that limited post-reintegration opportunities could undermine the gains already recorded.
“One of the key lessons from previous experiences is the urgent need for sustainable economic reintegration pathways. Many former clients face uncertainty and limited opportunities once reintegrated, which can threaten the progress made,” he explained.
Launch of ‘Seeds for Hope’ Agribusiness Programme
To address these reintegration challenges, the federal government has launched a new agribusiness and livelihood initiative in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
The programme, titled “Seeds for Hope,” aims to empower not just former fighters, but also widows and members of conflict-affected communities.
Laka said the initiative will provide beneficiaries with access to land, agricultural inputs, training, mentorship, and market opportunities. He revealed that six states have already expressed interest in hosting the project.
“Strategies that empower individuals and restore livelihoods are essential to building lasting peace and preventing the resurgence of extremist ideologies,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdoulaye Tahirau, Deputy Director-General of IITA, described Seeds for Hope as a critical tool for post-conflict recovery.
“The programme will enhance agricultural productivity and resilience, ensuring that communities not only survive but thrive,” he said.
Conclusion
With more insurgents willing to surrender and over 2,600 former combatants already reintegrated, Nigeria’s multi-pronged counter-terrorism strategy is gaining traction. However, authorities caution that without sustainable reintegration mechanisms, including economic empowerment, the country risks undoing hard-won progress in the fight against terrorism.
