Borno reintegrates 720 repentant terrorists after rehabilitation – Official

The Borno State Government has reintegrated a total of 720 repentant insurgents who have completed their deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme back into society. The latest batch, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 under the state’s rehabilitation initiative and was sworn in using the Holy Quran before being released to return to their respective communities across the state. The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), disclosed this on Friday at an event held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri to mark the completion of their rehabilitation process. He said the exercise represents another milestone in the state’s non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, describing it as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally. Abdullahi said the initiative, which began on July 5, 2021, under Governor Babagana Zulum, has recorded large-scale participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered. 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.” He added that with the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of reintegrated persons under the programme has risen to 9,680 across batches 1 to 9. According to him, the programme also includes 992 spouses and over 2,000 individuals who surrendered to troops and were processed through the same system. He explained that the reintegration process began when repentant insurgents voluntarily exited the bush and reported to military locations, where initial profiling and disarmament were carried out. Related News Democracy Day: Minister seeks support for 258 returnees from South Africa Over 124,000 terrorists, dependents surrender in three years — Tinubu 13,000 terrorists killed, terror-related deaths down by 81% since 2015 — Tinubu He noted that participants were engaged in structured rehabilitation programmes, including Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and various vocational training sessions. “The camps’ administrators kept them busy with various programmes geared towards deradicalisation and preparing them for life after camp. “Tuesdays an