The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 former insurgents, alongside 992 spouses and 2,050 children, following months of deradicalisation, rehabilitation and vocational training under its peacebuilding programme.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk and minor clients under Batch 9 of the state’s Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration initiative, were formally reunited with their communities during a ceremony held on Friday at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security and member of the reintegration committee, retired Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq, described the programme as a major success in the state’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insurgency.
According to him, the initiative began on July 5, 2021, when communities across Borno agreed to forgive and accept former fighters willing to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
He said more than 350,000 people had voluntarily left insurgent camps and surrendered to security forces since the programme commenced.
“Today, we are reintegrating 720 men, 992 spouses and 2,050 children who have completed the deradicalisation and rehabilitation process after surrendering to troops,” Ishaq said.
He explained that many of the former insurgents were persuaded to leave the bush by colleagues who had already embraced the programme and encouraged them to reunite with their families.
According to him, those who surrendered were first profiled by the military before being transferred to the Hajj Camp for documentation, counselling, deradicalisation and vocational training.
He noted that not everyone who attempted to leave insurgent camps successfully reached military formations, as some were reportedly intercepted and killed before making contact with security forces.
At the rehabilitation centre, participants underwent a structured programme designed to prepare them for life after insurgency. Religious teachings, counselling sessions and lectures on hygiene, drug abuse and social responsibility formed part of the curriculum.
The beneficiaries also received training in various trades, including carpentry, metal fabrication, tailoring, bricklaying, pottery, solar installation, phone repairs, vulcanising, motorcycle repairs, cap-making and barbering.
Women enrolled in the programme were trained in tailoring, knitting, soap production, catering and other income-generating skills.
Ishaq said the state government had also provided starter packs and business support materials to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives after returning to their communities.
With the latest batch, he said the Borno Model has now reintegrated 9,680 former insurgents since the programme began.
“The individuals before you have been disarmed, demobilised, thoroughly deradicalised and rehabilitated. Community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters carefully screened them before recommending them for reintegration,” he added.
The beneficiaries are from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Gubio and others.
Ishaq urged them to obey the law, contribute positively to their communities and participate in development efforts.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, described the occasion as a celebration of hope, reconciliation and resilience.
He commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to rebuilding communities affected by insurgency and creating opportunities for displaced and vulnerable residents.
Kadai said the ministry has played a key role in supporting rehabilitation efforts through psychosocial services, family reunification, child protection programmes, vocational training and economic empowerment initiatives.
He added that collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian organisations and community stakeholders has helped many conflict-affected families regain stability and rebuild their livelihoods.
Representatives of religious leaders, security agencies and government institutions also urged the beneficiaries to become responsible citizens and contribute to peace and development in their communities.
