Borno Reintegrates 720 Repentant Terrorists After Rehabilitation – Official
The Borno State Government has reintegrated a total of 720 repentant insurgents who completed their deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programme back into society.
The latest batch, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 under the state’s rehabilitation initiative. The beneficiaries were sworn in on the Holy Quran before being released to return to their respective communities across the state.
The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brig.-Gen. Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), disclosed this on Friday during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri to mark the completion of the rehabilitation process.
Abdullahi described the exercise as another milestone in Borno State’s non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, noting that the programme has gained recognition as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally.
According to him, the initiative commenced on July 5, 2021, under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration and has since recorded significant participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered.
“It has been a success story since July 5, 2021, when the good people of Borno State, under the stewardship of our dynamic leader, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who were willing to drop their arms and embrace peace,” he said.
“Today, the Borno model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind, with over 350,000 persons who willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military.”
He disclosed that with the reintegration of the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of persons reintegrated under the programme has risen to 9,680 across Batches 1 to 9.
Abdullahi added that the programme also included 992 spouses and 2,050 children associated with the former insurgents.
He explained that the reintegration process begins when repentant insurgents voluntarily leave the bush and surrender to military authorities, where they undergo profiling and disarmament before being admitted into rehabilitation camps.
The participants were engaged in structured rehabilitation activities, including Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness programmes, and vocational skills training.
“The camp administrators kept them busy with various programmes geared towards deradicalisation and preparing them for life after camp.
“Tuesdays and Thursdays were dedicated to Islamic programmes, lectures on hygiene, drug abuse and other educational activities, while Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were reserved for skill acquisition programmes such as metal works, carpentry, tailoring, pottery, bricklaying, barbing, cap making, phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising, and motorcycle repairs,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that the state government provided starter packs to support the beneficiaries’ reintegration into civilian life.
He further stated that community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration.
According to him, the beneficiaries were drawn from Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge, and Gubio local government areas.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to peace, stability, and development in their communities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Babagana Kadai, described the programme as a symbol of hope, reconciliation, and resilience.
She commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to peacebuilding and community restoration, noting that the administration has continued to resettle displaced families and rebuild communities devastated by insurgency.
The latest reintegration exercise underscores the Borno State Government’s continued efforts to complement military operations with rehabilitation and reconciliation programmes aimed at achieving lasting peace in the North-East.
Source: Punch