NCTC and IITA forge strategic agribusiness partnership to rehabilitate ex-combatants

23 May 2025

Abuja, Nigeria

In a landmark move to tackle the drivers of violent extremism, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and IITA-CGIAR has announced a new partnership to pilot a rehabilitation and reintegration model for former combatants and conflict-affected communities. Convened at the NCTC Conference Hall, the high-level meeting brought together key donors, international organizations, and technical experts to align on an agribusiness-led approach that combines vocational training, financial inclusion and peacebuilding.

Highlights during the meeting focused on key areas like:

  • Ambitious Impact Targets: Rollout in Zamfara and Gombe States, aiming to empower 50,000 beneficiaries through the creation of 5,000 agribusinesses and a projected 60% boost in household incomes.
  • Broad Donor Support: The Czech Republic, European Union, International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Zamfara State Government pledged technical and financial backing, underscoring strong international confidence in the model.
  • Technical Working Group (TWG): A multi-stakeholder consortium—including NCTC, IITA-CGIAR, state authorities, and donor representatives—will steer design, risk mapping, and monitoring frameworks.

Following discussions, the stakeholders agreed on the next steps towards implementation:

    1. MoU signing on 30 May 2025 to formalize the agribusiness and livelihood partnership.
    2. Technical Design Session with IOM and partners; a technical session will be organized, followed by detailed phase-wise planning after 30 May 2025.
    3. Governor-Level Engagement through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), and continued community outreach via the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Major General A. G. Laka, National Coordinator, NCTC, Prakash Kant Silwal, Principal Specialist, IITA
Major General A. G. Laka, National Coordinator, NCTC, Prakash Kant Silwal, Principal Specialist, IITA

“By leveraging agriculture as a vehicle for economic opportunity and social cohesion, we can break the cycle of re-radicalization,” said Major General A. G. Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC. “This partnership exemplifies how coordinated, locally-led solutions can deliver lasting peace and stability.”

Prakash Kant Silwal, IITA Principal Specialist on the rehabilitation and reintegration initiative, said, “Our collaborative model is designed to be replicable across the region. With robust monitoring and strong community buy-in, we will demonstrate that sustainable reintegration is both feasible and transformative.”

“The government has already made significant strides in reducing insecurity,” added Captain Palash Kawsher, IITA Security Risk Management Expert. “Now, together with NCTC, we will introduce a truly non-kinetic approach—mobilizing private sector partners and engaging communities directly—to ensure sustainable reintegration and resilience.”

(L-R) Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, Director-PCVE, Major General A. G. Laka, National Coordinator, NCTC, Prakash Kant Silwal, Principal Specialist, IITA, Captain Palash Kawsher, Security Risk Management Expert IITA, Dr Ayoade Adetoye, Advisor, IITA, Ms Adeniyi Ronke,Consultant IITA.
(L-R) Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, Director-PCVE, Major General A. G. Laka, National Coordinator, NCTC, Prakash Kant Silwal, Principal Specialist, IITA, Captain Palash Kawsher, Security Risk Management Expert IITA, Dr Ayoade Adetoye, Advisor, IITA, Ms Adeniyi Ronke,Consultant IITA.