The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents into society after they successfully completed the state’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk and minor clients under Batch 9 of the initiative, were sworn in on the Holy Quran before being released to return to their respective communities across the state.
The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brig.-Gen. Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), disclosed this during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri on Friday to mark the completion of the programme.
Abdullahi described the exercise as another significant milestone in Borno State’s non-kinetic strategy for tackling insurgency in the North-East, noting that the initiative has gained recognition as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally.
According to him, the programme was launched on July 5, 2021, under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum and has since attracted thousands of former insurgents who voluntarily laid down their arms and embraced peace.
“It has been a success story since July 5, 2021, when the people of Borno State, under the stewardship of our dynamic leader, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who were willing to abandon violence and return to society,” Abdullahi said.
He added that more than 350,000 individuals had voluntarily surrendered to security forces and exited insurgent camps since the programme began.
With the reintegration of the latest 720 beneficiaries, Abdullahi said the total number of former insurgents reintegrated under the initiative has risen to 9,680 across nine batches.
He further disclosed that the programme has also catered for 992 spouses and 2,050 children linked to the former fighters.
Abdullahi explained that the rehabilitation process begins when insurgents voluntarily surrender to military authorities, where they undergo profiling and disarmament before being enrolled in structured rehabilitation activities.
Participants receive counselling, Islamic education, hygiene and health awareness training, drug abuse prevention lessons, and vocational skills development aimed at preparing them for productive civilian life.
According to him, camp administrators engaged participants in a variety of programmes, including metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, pottery, bricklaying, barbing, cap-making, mobile phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising, and motorcycle repairs.
The state government also provided starter packs to help beneficiaries establish livelihoods upon their return to society.
Abdullahi noted that community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters participated in screening and verifying the individuals before recommending them for reintegration.
The beneficiaries were drawn from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge, Gubio and others.
He urged the former insurgents to become law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to peace, security and development in their communities.
Speaking earlier, 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 commended Governor Zulum’s leadership in promoting peace and rebuilding communities affected by years of insurgency, noting that the administration has continued to resettle displaced families and restore normalcy across the state.
