Borno Government Reintegrates 3,762 Repentant Terrorist, Family Members

The Borno State Government has reintegrated 3,762 former insurgents and their family members into society under its peacebuilding and rehabilitation programme known as the “Borno Model.”

The group includes 720 former fighters, 992 wives, and 2,050 children who voluntarily surrendered and were classified as low-risk participants under Batch 9 of the programme.

Following the completion of their rehabilitation, they were sworn in with the Holy Quran and cleared to return to their communities across the state.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, retired Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi, said the programme remains a key part of the state’s non-military strategy for tackling insurgency in the North-East.

He noted that the initiative, launched in July 2021, has encouraged thousands of former insurgents to abandon violence and embrace peace.

He said, “It has been a success story since 5th July 2021 when the good people of Borno State, under the stewardship of our dynamic leader, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who are willing to drop arms and embrace peace.

“Today, the Borno model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind, with over 350,000 persons who willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military.”

“A total of 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children who had repented and surrendered to troops are to be reintegrated after many of them were deradicalised, disarmed, and rehabilitated at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri and acquired various skills acquisition programmes.

“Their way back from the bush began with a call from their colleagues encouraging them to surrender, embrace peace and reunite with their parents,” General Ishaq stated.

He explained that those who surrendered first reported to military authorities, where they underwent screening, disarmament, and profiling before entering rehabilitation camps.

During their stay, they participated in counselling, religious education, health awareness programmes, and vocational training designed to prepare them for civilian life.

“The camps’ administrators kept them busy with various programmes geared towards deradicalisation and preparing them for life after camp.

“Tuesdays and Thursdays were for Islamic programmes, lectures on hygiene, drug abuse and other fields, while Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were for skill acquisition programmes such as metal works, carpentry, tailoring, pot making, brick laying, barbing, cap making, repair of phones, solar installation, vulcanising and repairs of motorcycles,” he said.

Abdullahi said the state government also provided starter packs to help them establish themselves after returning home.

He noted that before being approved for reintegration, the participants were screened by community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters.

“They are from Bama LGA, Kondugua LGA, MMC, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Mongunu, Kukawa, Gbambolu Ngala, Kalabarge and Gubio,” he added.

Abdullahi urged the returnees to become responsible members of society and contribute to peace and development in their communities.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, praised Governor Zulum’s leadership and described the programme as a symbol of reconciliation, hope, and recovery for communities affected by insurgency.

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