The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant terrorists, alongside 992 spouses and 2,050 children, into various communities across the state after completing deradicalisation, rehabilitation and vocational training programmes.
The beneficiaries formed part of Batch 9 low-risk and minor clients who voluntarily surrendered to security forces and embraced the state’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insurgency in the Northeast.
The reintegration ceremony took place on Friday at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, where the former insurgents publicly swore on the Holy Quran to live peacefully and obey the law.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security and member of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee, retired Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq, described the programme as another major milestone in the state’s peacebuilding efforts.
According to him, the initiative has remained a success since July 2021 when communities in Borno agreed to accept repentant insurgents willing to abandon violence and return to civilian life.
Ishaq said the Borno Model has become one of the most recognised non-kinetic counterinsurgency strategies, with more than 350,000 people voluntarily leaving insurgent camps and surrendering to authorities.
He explained that the latest batch underwent extensive deradicalisation, disarmament and rehabilitation before being cleared for reintegration.
The beneficiaries also participated in various vocational training programmes aimed at helping them become productive members of society.
The men received training in trades such as metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, bricklaying, barbing, phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising and motorcycle repairs.
Women in the programme were trained in catering services, knitting, tailoring, soap making and other income-generating skills.
According to Ishaq, those who surrendered first reported to military formations where they were profiled before being transferred to the rehabilitation camp for further assessments and training.
He added that the state government provided starter packs and support materials to help the beneficiaries establish livelihoods after leaving the camp.
The security adviser disclosed that a total of 8,960 former insurgents had been reintegrated during the first eight batches of the programme.
With the addition of the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of reintegrated former insurgents now stands at 9,680.
The beneficiaries are drawn from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Gubio and other communities affected by insurgency.
Community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters participated in screening and verification processes before the former insurgents were approved for reintegration.
Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Babagana Kadai, said the programme demonstrates the state government’s commitment to reconciliation, peacebuilding and social recovery.
He praised Governor Babagana Zulum for supporting initiatives that have helped rebuild communities, restore public services and create opportunities for people affected by years of insurgency.
Kadai noted that the ministry has played a major role in providing psychosocial support, family reunification services, child protection programmes and livelihood assistance to affected families.
Representatives of security agencies, religious leaders and community stakeholders also urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and contribute positively to the development of their communities.
Former beneficiaries who spoke during the event expressed gratitude to the government and local communities for accepting them back into society.
They pledged to continue living peacefully and support efforts aimed at promoting stability and socio-economic development across Borno State.
The reintegration programme remains a central component of Borno State’s strategy to address the long-term effects of insurgency while encouraging reconciliation and sustainable peace in the region.
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