Some of the repentant terrorists. Photo: Isah Ojo
Borno State Government has reintegrated a total of 720 repentant insurgents who have 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 and was sworn in using the Holy Quran before being released to return to their respective communities across the state.
The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), disclosed this on Friday at an event held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri to mark the completion of their rehabilitation process.
He said the exercise represents another milestone in the state’s non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, describing it as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally.
Abdullahi said the initiative, which began on July 5, 2021, under Governor Babagana Zulum, has recorded large-scale participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered.
He said, “It has been a success story since 5th July 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 are willing to drop arms and embrace peace.
“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 added that with the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of reintegrated persons under the programme has risen to 9,680 across batches 1 to 9.
He, however, said the reintegration exercise also included 992 spouses and 2,050 children associated with the former insurgents.
He explained that the reintegration process began when repentant insurgents voluntarily exited the bush and reported to military locations, where initial profiling and disarmament were carried out.
He noted that participants were engaged in structured rehabilitation programmes, including Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and various vocational training sessions.
“The camps’ administrators kept them busy with various programmes geared towards deradicalisation and preparing them for life after camp.
“Tuesdays and Thursdays were for Islamic programmes, lectures on hygiene, drug abuse and other fields, while Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were for skill acquisition programmes such as metal works, carpentry, tailoring, pot making, brick laying, barbing, cap making, repair of phones, solar installation, vulcanising and repairs of motorcycles,” he said.
Abdullahi said the state government also provided starter packs to support the reintegration of the beneficiaries into civilian life.
He said community leaders, alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration.
“They are from Bama LGA, Kondugua LGA, MMC, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Mongunu, Kukawa, Gbambolu Ngala, Kalabarge and Gubio,” he added.
He urged the beneficiaries to return to their communities as law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to peace and development efforts.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, described the programme as a symbol of hope, reconciliation and resilience.
She commended Governor Zulum for what she described as his visionary leadership in peacebuilding, noting that the administration has continued to resettle displaced families and rebuild communities affected by insurgency.
The Punch
