Borno reintegrates 720 repentant insurgents, 3,000 family nembers into communities

The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents, alongside 992 spouses and 2,050 children, after completing a deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme under the state’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insurgency.

The beneficiaries, classified as Batch 9 low-risk and minor clients, were formally reunited with their communities during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri on Friday.

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 one of the most successful non-kinetic counter-insurgency initiatives in the world.

According to him, the programme began on July 5, 2021, when communities across Borno State agreed to forgive and accept former insurgents willing to surrender and embrace peace.

He disclosed that more than 350,000 individuals have voluntarily left insurgent camps and surrendered to security forces since the programme commenced.

Ishaq explained that the latest beneficiaries underwent comprehensive profiling, deradicalisation and vocational training before being cleared for reintegration.

The former insurgents received training in various trades, including carpentry, metal works, tailoring, bricklaying, phone repairs, solar installation, barbing, cap making, vulcanising and motorcycle repairs.

Their spouses were also trained in tailoring, knitting, soap making, catering services and other income-generating skills.

He added that the state government provided starter packs to support the beneficiaries as they begin new lives within their communities.

According to the security adviser, the latest batch brings the total number of reintegrated former insurgents under the programme to 9,680, following the successful reintegration of 8,960 beneficiaries in the previous eight batches.

The beneficiaries originated from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Gubio and others.

Ishaq noted that community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters participated in screening the beneficiaries before recommending them for reintegration.

He urged the former insurgents to remain law-abiding, contribute positively to society and actively participate in community development efforts.

Also speaking at the ceremony, officials of the Borno State Government commended Governor Babagana Zulum for sustaining programmes aimed at promoting peace, reconciliation and social cohesion across the state.

Representatives of security agencies, religious leaders and community stakeholders also encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace peaceful coexistence and become ambassadors of peace in their respective communities.

Some previously reintegrated former insurgents who attended the event expressed gratitude to the government and residents for accepting them back into society, stating that they have since lived peacefully and contributed to the socio-economic development of their communities.