By Paul Joseph
The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents into their communities after successfully completing the state’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme, marking another significant milestone in ongoing efforts to restore peace in the North-East.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk and minor clients, constitute Batch 9 of the initiative and were formally sworn in on the Holy Quran before being returned to their respective communities across the state.
The programme, launched on July 5, 2021, under the administration of Governor , is a key component of Borno State’s non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency, aimed at encouraging defectors to abandon violence and embrace civilian life.
Speaking at the reintegration ceremony, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Zulum, described the initiative as one of the most successful peacebuilding and reconciliation models in the world.
According to him, the reintegration of the latest batch brings the total number of former insurgents rehabilitated and returned to society through the programme to 9,680.
Beyond former fighters, the programme has also facilitated the reintegration of 992 spouses and 2,050 children linked to ex-insurgents, reflecting a broader effort to rebuild families and communities affected by years of conflict.
Participants underwent an extensive rehabilitation process designed to address ideological, psychological and socio-economic challenges.
The programme included Islamic teachings, counselling sessions, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness campaigns and vocational skills training.
The vocational component equipped beneficiaries with practical skills in carpentry, tailoring, metal fabrication, bricklaying and solar installation. Upon graduation, participants received starter packs to help them establish livelihoods and reintegrate productively into society.
The beneficiaries were drawn from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge and Gubio.
Authorities said community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters played crucial roles in screening and verifying the identities of participants before they were approved for reintegration.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, described the initiative as a powerful symbol of hope, reconciliation and resilience.
She commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to rebuilding conflict-affected communities, resettling displaced persons and creating pathways for lasting peace across the state.
The reintegration programme remains a central pillar of Borno State’s strategy to complement military operations against insurgency by addressing the social and economic factors that fuel violent extremism.
State officials say the initiative has continued to receive support from local communities and stakeholders who view rehabilitation and reconciliation as critical components of sustainable peace in the region.
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