Borno Reintegrates 720 Former Insurgents, Expands Deradicalisation Programme
The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 former Boko Haram members, alongside 992 spouses and 2,050 children, into communities across the state under its ongoing deradicalisation and rehabilitation initiative known as the Borno Model.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk participants under the ninth batch of the programme, completed a three-month rehabilitation process at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, where they underwent deradicalisation, disarmament, counselling, and vocational training before returning to civilian life.
The development was announced in Maiduguri by the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security, retired Brigadier-General Abdullahi Ishaq, who also serves on the state's Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee.
According to Ishaq, the latest exercise represents another milestone in the state's efforts to combine security measures with community-based peacebuilding strategies aimed at ending insurgency in the North-East.
He noted that since the programme began in July 2021, thousands of individuals linked to insurgent groups have voluntarily surrendered and embraced rehabilitation, contributing to ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.
The latest batch comprises 720 men, 992 wives, and 2,050 children who initially surrendered to the Nigerian military before undergoing screening, profiling, counselling, and rehabilitation.
Ishaq explained that many of those who laid down their arms were encouraged by former insurgents who had previously completed the programme and successfully reunited with their families and communities.
He added that participants received various forms of support during their stay at the rehabilitation centre, including life skills training and vocational education designed to prepare them for productive civilian life.
Women enrolled in the programme were trained in several trades, including tailoring, catering, knitting, soap production, and cap-making, while the state government provided starter packs to help beneficiaries establish sustainable livelihoods after their reintegration.
With the completion of the latest phase, the total number of individuals reintegrated under the programme has risen to 9,680, including beneficiaries from the previous eight batches.
The participants 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.
Ishaq said community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilante groups played a role in screening the former insurgents before they were cleared for reintegration.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to the development of their communities.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Babagana Kadai, who represented the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, described the programme as a symbol of reconciliation, recovery, and hope.
Kadai commended Governor Zulum's administration for its efforts in rebuilding communities affected by conflict, resettling displaced families, restoring public infrastructure, and creating opportunities for vulnerable groups to rebuild their lives.
He added that the ministry, in collaboration with humanitarian organisations and development partners, has continued to provide psychosocial support, family reunification services, vocational training, child protection programmes, and community sensitisation initiatives aimed at strengthening long-term peace and social cohesion.
Religious leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders at the event also encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace peaceful coexistence and serve as advocates for peace within their communities.
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