The Borno State Government has defended its rehabilitation programme for former Boko Haram fighters, insisting that strict spiritual and social measures are in place to prevent repentant terrorists from returning to violence.
Speaking during an interview on News Central Television, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, said former insurgents are required to swear an oath on the Quran as the final stage of the deradicalisation process.
According to her, the oath carries serious spiritual consequences and serves as a strong deterrent against returning to terrorism.
“When they complete all the stages of the Borno rehabilitation model, the final step is taking an oath with the Quran. Once you swear with the Quran, you understand the implications,” she said.
Gambo also dismissed fears that rehabilitated ex-fighters could easily return to insurgent camps, arguing that such individuals would no longer be trusted by terrorist groups after surrendering to government authorities.
“Some people believe they may go back to the bush. They can try, but they would be seen as traitors. Once you surrender to constituted authority, the insurgents consider you an infidel,” she explained.
She, however, admitted that funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing the rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
According to the commissioner, providing food, clothing, education and other support services for large numbers of rehabilitated individuals has placed significant pressure on available resources.
The debate around Nigeria’s de-radicalisation and reintegration programme, known as Operation Safe Corridor, intensified after the Federal Government announced the graduation and planned reintegration of 744 former insurgents.
Of that number, 597 were from Borno State, while others came from Adamawa, Yobe, Kano and several other states.
The programme has continued to generate mixed reactions, with many Nigerians questioning whether
