Nigerian govt rehabilitates over 300 repentant terrorists to curb terrorism

The Federal Government has announced that more than 300 repentant terrorists are currently undergoing rehabilitation as part of its ongoing non-kinetic strategy to combat terrorism.

The disclosure was made on Thursday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major-General Adamu Laka, during a high-level stakeholders’ and donors’ meeting focused on promoting livelihood and agricultural opportunities for ex-combatants and communities affected by conflict.

According to Laka, the initiative forms part of the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme, Operation Safe Corridor, based at the Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State. He said the programme has so far graduated over 2,600 low-risk former fighters who received psychosocial support, vocational training, and reintegration assistance.

“Currently, there are over 300 clients in the camp undergoing the process,” Laka stated. “Furthermore, a growing number of terrorists and bandits are now expressing willingness to surrender in the North-West and North-Central regions. Efforts are underway to design and implement similar disarmament, deradicalisation, and reintegration programmes tailored to these regions.”

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The National Coordinator, however, noted that limited post-integration opportunities remain a challenge, warning that without sustainable economic pathways, the gains of rehabilitation could be undermined.

“One of the key lessons from previous disarmament and reintegration efforts is the urgent need for sustainable economic reintegration. Many former clients face uncertainty and limited opportunities once reintegrated, which can threaten the gains of the rehabilitation process,” he said.

To address this, Laka announced the launch of a new agribusiness and livelihood initiative in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. The project will provide access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages, not only for former combatants but also for widows and members of conflict-affected communities. Six states have already indicated interest in hosting the programme.

“Strategies that empower individuals and restore livelihoods are essential to building lasting peace and preventing the resurgence of extremist ideologies,” Laka emphasised.

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