The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 former insurgents into their respective communities following the completion of a rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme designed to promote peaceful coexistence and long-term stability.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk individuals, formed Batch 9 of the state’s rehabilitation initiative and were formally released during a ceremony held on Friday at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri.
Before returning to their communities, the participants reportedly took an oath using the Holy Quran and completed all stages of the rehabilitation process.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, retired Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi, described the initiative as an important component of the state’s broader peace-building strategy that complements military operations with rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts.
According to Abdullahi, the programme was launched on July 5, 2021, under the administration of Governor Zulum to encourage voluntary surrender and provide pathways for former insurgents to transition back into civilian life.
He stated that over the years, many individuals involved in insurgency had voluntarily abandoned violence and embraced rehabilitation opportunities offered by the government.
Abdullahi disclosed that more than 350,000 persons have exited insurgent enclaves and surrendered to security authorities since the programme commenced.
He added that with the completion of Batch 9, a total of 9,680 individuals have now been reintegrated through the programme, while an additional 992 spouses and over 2,000 other surrendered persons also passed through the rehabilitation framework.
Explaining the process, he said participants first voluntarily surrender to military authorities before undergoing profiling, disarmament procedures, screening, and further assessments prior to admission into rehabilitation facilities.
During the programme, beneficiaries receive counselling, religious instruction, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness sessions, and behavioural reorientation.
The rehabilitation programme also includes vocational and skills acquisition training intended to support economic reintegration and reduce the likelihood of returning to violent activities.
Training areas included carpentry, tailoring, metal fabrication, bricklaying, mobile phone repairs, solar installation, motorcycle repairs, cap production, vulcanising, barbing, and pottery.
Abdullahi noted that the state government provided starter packs to support beneficiaries as they begin new livelihoods after reintegration.
He further explained that community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters participated in the screening and verification process before final approval was granted for reintegration.
The beneficiaries were drawn from several local government areas across Borno State, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge, and Gubio.
The security adviser urged the reintegrated individuals to remain law-abiding, contribute positively to their communities, and support ongoing efforts to sustain peace and development across the state.
The programme continues to form part of the state government’s multi-dimensional approach to addressing the long-term effects of insurgency and rebuilding affected communities in North-East Nigeria.
