FG Engages Over 300 Former Insurgents in Ongoing Rehabilitation Drive
As part of its strategic shift toward non-military approaches to ending terrorism, the Federal Government has confirmed that more than 300 individuals who formerly engaged in terrorist activities are currently participating in a structured rehabilitation programme.
This was disclosed on Thursday, August 7, 2025, by Major-General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, during a high-level meeting held in Abuja. The gathering brought together donors and stakeholders to explore ways to strengthen livelihoods and agricultural prospects for ex-fighters and communities impacted by conflict, Punch reports.
According to Major-General Laka, the ongoing rehabilitation is part of Operation Safe Corridor, a federal initiative aimed at deradicalising and reintegrating former militants. He noted that since the programme’s inception, over 2,600 ex-combatants have completed the process at the Mallam Sidi facility in Gombe State.
The current group of 300 individuals in the camp reportedly comprises those who have voluntarily laid down their arms in recent months, mainly from Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions.
“Operation Safe Corridor has made considerable progress,” Laka said. “We’ve provided psychosocial care, vocational training, and reintegration support to more than 2,600 low-risk individuals. Presently, over 300 others are undergoing rehabilitation at the Mallam Sidi camp.”
He also highlighted a rising trend of voluntary surrenders by armed groups in the North-West and North-Central zones, prompting the government to consider launching similar deradicalisation and reintegration programmes tailored to those regions.
Despite the achievements, Laka acknowledged that many rehabilitated individuals struggle to find sustainable opportunities after rejoining society—an issue that threatens to reverse the gains of the initiative.
“One critical lesson we’ve learned is the importance of creating viable economic pathways post-reintegration,” he noted. “Without clear prospects, these individuals remain vulnerable, and the long-term success of the programme could be compromised.”
To address this, Laka announced the launch of a new agribusiness and livelihoods project in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The initiative aims to offer practical support in the form of land access, agricultural inputs, training, and market linkages.
Designed to promote lasting reintegration, the programme will not only serve former combatants but also widows and others from conflict-affected communities. According to Laka, six states have already expressed interest in participating.
“Empowering people economically and restoring a sense of purpose are vital steps in preventing the return of extremist ideologies,” he said. “This initiative is about building peace through opportunity.”