The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents into society after they successfully completed a deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme aimed at promoting lasting peace in the state.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk and minor clients under Batch 9 of the initiative, were sworn in using the Holy Quran before being released to return to their respective communities across Borno State.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri on Friday, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), described the exercise as another significant milestone in the state’s non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency.
According to Abdullahi, the programme, launched on July 5, 2021, has become a major component of Borno’s efforts to encourage former insurgents to abandon violence and embrace peaceful coexistence.
“It has been a success story since July 5, 2021, when the people of Borno State, under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who were willing to lay down their arms and embrace peace,” he said.
He revealed that more than 350,000 individuals have voluntarily surrendered to the military since the initiative began, describing the Borno model as one of the most effective non-kinetic peacebuilding programmes globally.
With the addition of the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of former insurgents reintegrated through the programme has risen to 9,680 across nine batches. The process also included 992 spouses and 2,050 children associated with the former fighters.
Abdullahi explained that the rehabilitation programme combines religious education, counselling, hygiene awareness, drug abuse prevention and vocational training designed to prepare participants for productive civilian life.
Beneficiaries received training in various trades, including carpentry, tailoring, metal works, bricklaying, phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising, motorcycle repairs, barbing and cap making. The state government also provided starter packs to help them establish livelihoods after leaving the camp.
He noted that community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters participated in screening the individuals before approving them for reintegration into communities across several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge and Gubio.
Abdullahi urged the beneficiaries to become responsible citizens and contribute positively to peace, security and development in their communities.
Also speaking at the event, 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 praised Governor Zulum’s leadership and commitment to rebuilding communities affected by years of insurgency and resettling displaced families across the state.
