720 Repentant Terrorists Reintegrated Into Society 

The Borno State Government has returned 720 former insurgents to their communities after they completed a rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme aimed at helping them live peacefully in society.

Naija News reports that the beneficiaries, described as low-risk individuals, belonged to Batch 9 of the state’s rehabilitation programme.

Before their release, they were sworn in with the Holy Quran and cleared to reunite with their families and communities across different parts of Borno State.

The development was announced on Friday in Maiduguri during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp.

The event marked the end of the rehabilitation process for the latest group of participants.

Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, retired Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi, said the programme remains a key part of the state’s strategy to restore peace in the North-East through non-military means.

According to him, the initiative was introduced on July 5, 2021, under the administration of Governor Zulum.

He said many former fighters had voluntarily surrendered and accepted the opportunity to abandon violence and embrace a peaceful life.

Abdullahi explained that the programme has continued to grow over the years, with thousands of people passing through the rehabilitation process.

He disclosed that more than 350,000 people have left insurgent camps and surrendered to security forces since the programme began.

He added that the latest batch brings the total number of reintegrated beneficiaries to 9,680 from Batch 1 to Batch 9. He also revealed that 992 spouses and more than 2,000 other individuals who surrendered were processed through the same system.

The security adviser explained that the process begins when insurgents voluntarily leave the bush and surrender to military authorities.

After surrendering, they undergo profiling, disarmament and further assessments before being admitted into rehabilitation camps.

During their stay, participants receive counselling, religious teachings, hygiene education and awareness programmes on drug abuse.

They are also trained in various vocational skills to help them earn a living after returning to society.

The skills training covered areas such as carpentry, tailoring, metal work, bricklaying, phone repairs, solar installation, motorcycle repairs, cap making, vulcanising, barbing and pottery.

Abdullahi said the state government also provided starter packs to help the beneficiaries establish themselves after leaving the camps.

He noted that community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters were involved in screening the participants before they were approved for reintegration.

The beneficiaries came from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge and Gubio.

He urged the former insurgents to obey the law, contribute to the development of their communities and support efforts aimed at maintaining peace in the state.