The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 former Boko Haram fighters and more than 3,000 of their family members into various communities following the completion of a comprehensive deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme.
The exercise, which forms part of the state’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insurgency, also involved the reintegration of 992 women and 2,050 children who had previously lived in insurgent enclaves before surrendering to security forces.
According to a report published by Daily Trust on Friday, the beneficiaries underwent disarmament, rehabilitation and deradicalisation at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri before being cleared for reintegration into society.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security, retired Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq, said the former insurgents voluntarily surrendered to the military after being encouraged by colleagues who had earlier embraced peace and returned to their communities.
He explained that the programme has become a key component of Borno State’s strategy for addressing insurgency, noting that thousands of individuals have abandoned violent extremism and opted for peaceful reintegration.
Ishaq described the Borno Model as one of the most successful non-military approaches to conflict resolution, revealing that more than 350,000 people had willingly left insurgent camps and surrendered to security agencies since the initiative began.
He stated that the latest batch of 720 rehabilitated former fighters brings the total number of ex-combatants reintegrated under the programme to 9,680.
According to him, 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 and Gubio.
The security adviser said all participants underwent rigorous profiling, screening and deradicalisation processes before being recommended for reintegration by community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters.
He added that the former insurgents publicly pledged not to return to violent activities before being accepted back into their communities.
To support their transition, the state government provided starter packs and other forms of assistance to both the ex-combatants and their spouses to help them rebuild their lives and become economically productive.
Ishaq urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding, contribute positively to community development and justify the confidence reposed in them through responsible conduct.
The reintegration programme is part of ongoing efforts by the Borno State Government and security stakeholders to promote peace, reconciliation and long-term stability in communities affected by more than a decade of insurgency in the North-East.
