The Nigerian government rehabilitates more than 300 terrorists who repent to curb terrorism

The federal government has announced that more than 300 terrorists who are converted are currently undergoing rehabilitation as part of their sustainable non-cinetic strategy to fight terrorism.

The disclosure was carried out on Thursday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of the National Terrorism Center, Major General Adamu Laka, during the meeting of high -level stakeholders and donors who focused on promoting livelihoods and agricultural opportunities for former combatants and people affected by conflict.

According to Laka, this initiative is part of the government’s deradicalization and reintegration program, Operation Safe Corridor, based in the Sidi Mallam Camp in the State of Gombe. He said this program had so far passed more than 2,600 former low -risk fighters who received psychosocial support, vocational training, and reintegration assistance.

“At present, there are more than 300 clients in the camps undergoing the process,” Laka said. “In addition, more and more terrorists and bandits are now stating the willingness to surrender in the northwestern and north-middle regions. Efforts are being made to design and implement weapons, deradicalization, and similar reintegration programs that are adapted to this region.”

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The National Coordinator, however, notes that post-integrated opportunities are limited to being a challenge, warning that without a sustainable economic path, rehabilitation profits can be damaged.

“One of the main lessons of the previous weapons and reintegration efforts is an urgent need for sustainable economic reintegration. Many former clients face limited uncertainty and opportunities after being integrated again, which can threaten the benefits of the rehabilitation process,” he said.

To overcome this, Laka announced the launch of agribusiness initiatives and new livelihoods in partnerships with International International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. This project will provide access to land, input, training, guidance, and market relations, not only for former fighters but also for widows and community members affected by conflict. Six countries have indicated interest to host the program.

“Strategies that empower individuals and restore livelihoods are very important to build lasting peace and prevent the resurrection of extremist ideology,” Laka stressed.