720 Ex-Boko Haram Members, Their Families Reinforced Into Society in Borno State

Borno State has successfully reintegrated 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children who previously surrendered to security forces after renouncing insurgency.

The participants underwent deradicalisation, disarmament, and rehabilitation at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, acquiring skills to support their return to civilian life.

Phase 9 of the Borno Model

The reintegrated individuals, part of Batch 9 of low-risk clients, all took oaths on the Holy Quran before returning to their communities. The programme, which began in July 2021 under Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, is widely regarded as one of the most effective non-kinetic approaches to counter-insurgency in the region.

Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq (Rtd), Special Adviser on Security and member of the state’s Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee, described the milestone during a ceremony at the Hajj Camp. He highlighted that over 350,000 individuals have voluntarily exited the bush since the programme began.

Rehabilitation and Skill Acquisition

Participants of the programme were carefully profiled and documented upon surrender. The Hajj Camp provided structured deradicalisation activities, alongside a wide range of skills acquisition programmes.

Men were trained in trades such as metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, bricklaying, motorcycle repairs, vulcanising, solar installation, and phone repairs, while women acquired skills in catering, tailoring, knitting, cap making, and soap production. Sessions on hygiene, drug abuse awareness, and Islamic teachings were also integrated into the schedule.

Community Reintegration Support

The state government supplied starter packs to participants and their spouses to facilitate smooth re-entry into society. The reintegration process included thorough screening by community leaders and Civilian Joint Task Force members, ensuring that only eligible individuals were returned to their communities.

The beneficiaries hailed from various local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, MMC, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Mongunu, Kukawa, Ngala, Kalabarge, and Gubio.

Government Commitment to Peace and Recovery

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, described the programme as a celebration of hope, reconciliation, and resilience. She emphasised that Governor Zulum’s administration has prioritised resettling displaced families, rebuilding communities, and restoring schools and healthcare facilities.

The ministry has also provided psychosocial support, family tracing, child protection, and vocational training, ensuring that women, children, and vulnerable families affected by conflict are empowered to reintegrate successfully.

Encouragement from Religious and Security Leaders

Religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Borno, security agency representatives, and state officials, urged the reintegrated individuals to be law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to their communities.

Voices of the Reintegration Beneficiaries

Former insurgents who previously participated in the programme expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to rejoin society. Individuals such as Idris Abdulkadir, Ali Kaka, and Ibrahim Mohammed reported living peacefully with their communities and contributing to the socio-economic development of Borno State.