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... 300 Still Undergoing Deradicalisation as SAFE CORRIDOR Records Major Milestone

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Laka has highlighted that over 2,600 individuals have so far graduated from Operation SAFE CORRIDOR’s rehabilitation programme in Gombe State, with over 300 still undergoing deradicalisation. 

Maj General Laka while reaffirming the NCTC's commitment to non-kinetic solutions to violent extremism, as it hosted a High-Level Donor and Stakeholder Meeting-NCTC-IITA "Seeds for Hope" Initiative 7th August 2025.

The event, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, brought together representatives from the diplomatic corps, international organisations, government agencies, and the private sector to discuss progress on the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the NCTC and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of NCTC emphasized the urgent need for sustainable economic reintegration of low-risk former combatants, widows, and other members of conflict-affected communities. 

He noted a growing number of insurgents are now surrendering in the North West and North Central, prompting the Centre to expand its Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) efforts to those regions.

The Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project, a joint initiative of NCTC and IITA, is expected to provide access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market access for beneficiaries across six interested states. 

Describing agriculture as a powerful engine for post-conflict recovery, the NCTC National Coordinator called for robust funding and strategic partnerships to scale the initiative. “This project will offer dignity, stability, and renewed purpose to individuals and communities emerging from conflict,” he said, urging stakeholders to support the vision and help replicate it as a regional model for peacebuilding.

The Deputy Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), representing the Director General, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to restoring peace and rebuilding livelihoods through agriculture, during a high-level donor and stakeholder meeting held on 7 August 2025 in Abuja. The meeting was convened by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with IITA under the “Seeds for Hope” initiative.

Addressing a distinguished audience of ambassadors, donor agencies, and development partners, the Deputy Director General expressed IITA’s profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for declaring a national food emergency—a move the institute views as a critical step in linking food security to national stability.

He commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic leadership in creating an enabling environment for the initiative and praised the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, for his unwavering commitment and visionary direction, which transformed “Seeds for Hope” from concept to reality.

The Deputy Director General also acknowledged Ambassador Mario Musa Abbas, Director of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Directorate, for her consistent support, alongside the invaluable presence of donor representatives and diplomatic envoys committed to advancing peace and development in Nigeria.

He noted that the Seeds for Hope initiative was founded on the shared understanding that peace must be rooted in dignity, opportunity, and sustainable livelihoods—not merely the absence of violence. According to him, IITA believes agriculture holds immense potential as a force for reconciliation, recovery, and inclusive growth in conflict-affected areas.

Highlighting IITA’s long-standing impact, he stated that since its establishment in 1967, the institute has driven transformative progress in agricultural innovation, food security, and environmental sustainability across over 15 African countries. With its headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, IITA has focused on improving crop resilience, promoting climate-smart practices, and empowering women and youth through agribusiness development.

He outlined the Seeds for Hope program’s objectives, which include providing high-quality, climate-resilient seeds; training farmers and youth in modern agricultural practices; strengthening value chains; improving market access; and ensuring the inclusion of women, youth, and vulnerable populations in rebuilding community resilience.

“This is more than a program,” he said. “It is a movement to plant not only seeds in the soil but hope, dignity, and economic opportunity in the hearts of communities.”

He disclosed that implementation is already underway in Adamawa and parts of Borno States with support from the Islamic Development Bank's Tadamon program. The Deputy DG expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Finance for approving the project and to the Islamic Development Fund for providing the necessary financial backing.

Through the Seeds for Hope initiative, IITA aims to directly impact thousands of households in conflict-affected areas, enhance food security, promote sustainable income generation, and strengthen social cohesion.

As the meeting brought together key national and international stakeholders, the Deputy DG emphasized that it was not just an event to share ideas, but a strategic moment to mobilize resources and partnerships for real, on-the-ground transformation.

“IITA stands ready, side by side with the NCTC, our donors, and our partners to make this vision a reality,” he concluded.

Also in his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, Hon. Engr. Sadiq Abbas Tafida, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for the implementation of the MoU signed between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). 

Hon. Tafida described the initiative as a transformative partnership aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism by empowering vulnerable communities through agriculture, skills training, and livelihood support.

He emphasized that the success of the initiative lies in multi-sectoral collaboration and the active involvement of development partners, donors, and stakeholders. Hon. Tafida noted that security cannot be achieved through force alone but must also address socio-economic vulnerabilities that fuel extremism. He praised the approach of integrating agribusiness, mentorship, and access to markets to help ex-combatants, widows, IDPs, and at-risk groups rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

Commending the NCTC-ONSA for its efforts, especially the success of Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in rehabilitating over 2,600 former extremists without reported relapse, Hon. Tafida called for continued investment in people as a pathway to national peace and resilience. 

He lauded IITA’s leadership in promoting sustainable agriculture and urged all partners to ensure that the NCTC-IITA model becomes a benchmark for merging counterterrorism strategies with community development and peacebuilding.