The Borno State Government has successfully reintegrated 720 former insurgents into their communities following the completion of a comprehensive rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme designed to promote peaceful coexistence and social reintegration.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk individuals, were members of Batch 9 of the state’s rehabilitation initiative. Before returning to their communities, they took an oath on the Holy Quran and were formally cleared to reunite with their families across various parts of Borno State.
The announcement was made during a graduation ceremony held on Friday at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, marking the completion of the programme for the latest group of participants.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, retired Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi, described the initiative as a critical component of the state’s broader peacebuilding strategy in the North-East.
According to Abdullahi, the programme was launched on July 5, 2021, under the leadership of Governor Zulum to encourage insurgents willing to renounce violence and embrace lawful living.
He noted that thousands of individuals have passed through the programme since its inception, with over 350,000 people reportedly leaving insurgent camps and surrendering to security agencies.
The latest batch brings the total number of rehabilitated and reintegrated beneficiaries to 9,680 across nine batches. Additionally, 992 spouses and more than 2,000 other surrendered individuals have also undergone the rehabilitation process.
Abdullahi explained that participants enter the programme after voluntarily surrendering to military authorities. They are subsequently profiled, disarmed, screened, and assessed before being admitted into rehabilitation facilities.
During their stay, beneficiaries receive counselling, religious guidance, hygiene education, and sensitisation on the dangers of substance abuse. They are also equipped with practical vocational skills intended to help them become self-reliant upon returning to civilian life.
The vocational training covers several trades, including carpentry, tailoring, welding and metal fabrication, bricklaying, mobile phone repairs, solar installation, motorcycle maintenance, cap production, vulcanising, barbing, and pottery.
To further support their reintegration, the state government provided starter packs to enable beneficiaries establish small businesses and generate income.
Abdullahi revealed that community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters participated in the screening process to ensure only qualified individuals were approved for reintegration.
The beneficiaries originated from various 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 law-abiding citizens, contribute positively to their communities, and support ongoing efforts to sustain peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North-East region.
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