The Borno State Government has returned 720 former Boko Haram fighters to their communities following the completion of a comprehensive rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme aimed at supporting their transition back into civilian life.
Authorities said the exercise also involved 992 women and 2,050 children linked to the ex-insurgents, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in the latest batch to more than 3,700 people.
Speaking during the reintegration exercise, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security, retired Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq, described the initiative as a major component of the state’s efforts to encourage peace and reduce violent extremism.
According to him, all participants voluntarily abandoned insurgent activities and surrendered to security forces before being enrolled in the programme.
“These individuals made a conscious decision to reject violence and embrace a different future. The goal is to help them become productive members of society once again,” Ishaq said.
Officials explained that those admitted into the programme first underwent security screening and documentation before being enrolled in rehabilitation activities.
Many also received vocational training designed to help them earn a livelihood after returning home.
Furthermore, the former fighters were reportedly required to take an oath on the Holy Quran, pledging never to return to insurgent activities before being cleared for reintegration.
Ishaq noted that the Borno Model has become one of the most prominent non-military approaches to countering insurgency, claiming that hundreds of thousands of people have left extremist groups and embraced peace through the initiative.
“The programme demonstrates that not every security challenge can be solved through force alone.
“Creating pathways for surrender and reintegration has encouraged many others to come out of hiding,” he said.
He added that many of those who eventually joined the programme were persuaded by former associates who had already surrendered and returned to normal life.
According to him, individuals leaving insurgent camps were expected to report to the nearest military formation for initial assessment.
Those who successfully reached security personnel were later transferred for further profiling, rehabilitation and deradicalisation.
In addition, the state government provided starter packs and other forms of support to help the beneficiaries and their families establish themselves after leaving the rehabilitation centre.
The latest group was 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.
Community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters were involved in assessing the participants before recommendations were made for their return to society.
Ishaq said the government expects the beneficiaries to obey the law, contribute positively to their communities and avoid any actions that could threaten peace and stability.
With the inclusion of the newly reintegrated 720 former fighters, officials said the programme has now processed and returned 9,680 ex-insurgents to society since its inception.