720 Reformed Terrorists Reintegrated Into Society

The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 former insurgents into their respective communities after they successfully completed a rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme designed to promote peaceful coexistence and discourage a return to violence.

According to Ireporter Online, the beneficiaries, identified as low-risk individuals, formed Batch 9 of the state’s ongoing rehabilitation initiative and were formally cleared to reunite with their families following the completion of the programme.

The reintegration ceremony took place on Friday at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, marking the conclusion of the latest rehabilitation exercise. Before their release, the participants took an oath on the Holy Quran, pledging to live law-abiding and peaceful lives within their communities.

Addressing attendees at the event, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, retired Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi, described the programme as a vital component of the state’s broader strategy to restore lasting peace in the North-East through non-military measures. He noted that the initiative, launched on July 5, 2021, under Governor Zulum’s administration, has continued to encourage former fighters to voluntarily abandon insurgency and embrace civilian life.

Abdullahi disclosed that the programme has recorded significant progress, revealing that more than 350,000 individuals have surrendered from insurgent camps to security agencies since its inception. He added that the latest batch raises the total number of rehabilitated and reintegrated beneficiaries to 9,680 across nine batches.

He further stated that the rehabilitation framework has also processed 992 spouses of former insurgents and more than 2,000 additional individuals who voluntarily surrendered, providing them with structured support aimed at easing their return to society.

The security adviser explained that participants first surrender to military authorities, where they undergo profiling, disarmament and comprehensive assessments before being admitted into rehabilitation facilities. During their stay, they receive counselling, religious guidance, hygiene education and awareness programmes focused on the dangers of drug abuse.

In addition to behavioural reorientation, beneficiaries are equipped with vocational skills including carpentry, tailoring, metal fabrication, bricklaying, phone repairs, solar installation, motorcycle maintenance, cap making, vulcanising, barbing and pottery to enhance their chances of economic self-reliance.

To support their transition, the state government also provided starter packs for each participant, enabling them to establish small businesses and livelihoods upon returning home.

Abdullahi noted that traditional rulers, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters played active roles in screening the participants before they were approved for reintegration, ensuring only qualified individuals completed the process.

The beneficiaries were drawn 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 remain committed to the law, contribute positively to their communities and support ongoing efforts to strengthen peace, security and development across Borno State.