FG Announces Number of Repentant Terrorists Undergoing Rehabilitation: "They'll Be Reintegrated"
- The Federal Government revealedthe number of repentant terrorists currently undergoing rehabilitation under Operation Safe Corridor
- The FG said many candidates from the North-West and North-Central regions have surrendered voluntarily
- To ensure sustainable reintegration, the government launched an agribusiness initiative in partnership with IITA
FCT, Abuja - The Federal Government has revealed that over 300 repentant terrorists are currently undergoing rehabilitation as part of its efforts to counter terrorism through peaceful means.
FG: Operation Safe Corridor continues to yield results
Source: Twitter
Major-General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, disclosed the update on Thursday, August 7, in Abuja during a high-level meeting with stakeholders and donors.
The meeting focused on promoting livelihood and agricultural opportunities for ex-combatants and conflict-affected communities.
He said the programme is an extension of the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration efforts under Operation Safe Corridor.
“Operation Safe Corridor, a deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme at Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe state, has so far graduated over 2,600 low-risk former combatants. Currently, there are over 300 clients in the camp undergoing the process," Laka stated.
Focus on North-West and North-Central regions
Laka explained that many of the current rehabilitation candidates surrendered voluntarily in recent months, especially from the North-West and North-Central regions.
He added,
“A growing number of terrorists and bandits are now expressing willingness to surrender in these regions. Efforts are underway to design similar programmes tailored specifically for North West Nigeria.”
FG speaks on challenges of sustainable reintegration
While progress has been made, Laka cautioned that many repentant terrorists face limited opportunities after rehabilitation, which could undermine the programme’s success.
“One key lesson from previous experiences is the urgent need for sustainable economic reintegration pathways,” he said.
He added:
“Many former clients face uncertainty and limited opportunities once reintegrated, which can threaten the gains of the rehabilitation process.”
New agribusiness initiative launched
Source: Getty Images
To address this challenge, the government has launched a new agribusiness and livelihood initiative in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Laka explained,
“This initiative aims to ensure sustainable reintegration by providing access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market opportunities. It targets former clients of the federal government’s programme, as well as widows and members of conflict-affected communities.”
Six states have already shown interest in hosting the project.
He emphasised,
“Strategies that empower individuals and restore livelihoods are essential to building lasting peace and preventing the resurgence of extremist ideologies.”
IITA backs peace through agriculture
Dr Abdoulaye Tahirau, Deputy Director-General of IITA, described the programme, named Seeds For Hope, as a vital pathway to inclusive peace and recovery.
“The project will focus on improving agricultural productivity and resilience among the target groups,” he said.
Soldiers nab suspected terrorists from Niger Republic
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested a suspected terrorist from Niger attempting to breach a security perimeter in Yobe State on Monday, July 28.
A credible source revealed that the inability of suspect to speak any Nigerian language had prompted further investigations into possible transnational ties.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
