720 Former Insurgents Completed The Rehabilitation And Reintegration Programs

The Borno State Government has successfully reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents who completed the state’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration program back into society.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has caused widespread displacement and loss of life across Nigeria’s North-East, making rehabilitation and reintegration programs a key part of broader efforts to restore stability in the region.

About 720 former insurgents completed the rehabilitation and reintegration programs in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce violence and support long-term peace in Nigeria’s North-East.

Some of the former fighters shared why they surrendered, was when they realised that the violence carried out by the groups was not consistent with the religious objectives they had been told they were fighting for, makes them convinced  to leave the insurgency. 

Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Zulum, described the exercise as a key milestone in Borno’s non-kinetic counter-insurgency strategy, highlighting it as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally. With the latest reintegration, a total of 9,680 former insurgents have been successfully rehabilitated across all batches.

Participants who were victims by the conflict also took part in the programs. those who  spent a decade in captivity after being abducted from their village, expressed hope of rebuilding life again and creating better opportunities

Several participants described harsh living conditions in remote forests and mountains, where they spent years constantly moving and living under difficult circumstances and some former fighters said joining the insurgency caused them a lot of educational opportunities while their peers went on to become respected scholars.

Beneficiaries came from multiple local government areas including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kalabarge, and Gubio. Community leaders, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters assisted in screening the individuals before their reintegration.

Participants, including former fighters, women and children affected by the conflict, received vocational training in skills such as tailoring and automobile repairs before taking an oath not to return to armed groups. Officials say nearly 9,700 people have benefited from the program since its launch in 2021.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, described the program as a symbol of hope, reconciliation, and resilience, praising Governor Zulum’s visionary leadership in rebuilding communities and resettling displaced families.