The Borno State Government has defended its rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former terrorists, insisting that strict measures are in place to discourage them from returning to violence.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, said a major part of the deradicalisation process involves repentant insurgents taking an oath with the Quran before they are allowed back into society.
Speaking during an interview aired on News Central Television, Gambo explained that the oath carries serious spiritual consequences for anyone who violates it.
She stated that the final stage of the Borno rehabilitation model requires former fighters to swear by the holy book after completing counselling and rehabilitation exercises.
According to her, many people fear the former terrorists may return to the bush, but she argued that such a move could put their lives at risk.
“When they complete the process, they swear with the Quran. In Islam, such an oath is taken seriously, and there are consequences for breaking it,” she explained.
Gambo added that once insurgents surrender to government authorities and leave terrorist camps, extremist groups often view them as traitors or unbelievers.
She said this reality reduces the chances of many of them returning to armed groups.
The commissioner also admitted that funding remains one of the biggest challenges affecting the rehabilitation programme.
She explained that caring for large numbers of rehabilitated persons requires significant financial support for feeding, clothing, education and other welfare needs.
According to her, the state government continues to seek ways to sustain the programme despite economic pressures.
The reintegration initiative recently generated nationwide debate after hundreds of former terrorists graduated from the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor programme.
Reports showed that about 744 former insurgents completed the deradicalisation exercise, with the majority coming from Borno State.
The development sparked concerns among many Nigerians, including civil society groups and legal experts, who questioned the transparency of the process and the safety of affected communities.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, said reintegrating ex-terrorists without properly addressing the pain of victims could create feelings of injustice.
He argued that communities affected by attacks deserve accountability and proper support before former fighters are welcomed back.
Similarly, Amnesty International Nigeria raised concerns about transparency in the rehabilitation process.
The organisation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, said the government must clearly explain the level of involvement of each rehabilitated individual before reintegration.
Sanusi stressed that Nigerians deserve to know whether those pardoned were directly involved in killings, attacks or other violent crimes.
Despite the criticism, the Borno State Government maintains that the deradicalisation programme remains important in restoring peace and reducing insurgency in the North-East.
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