Borno Reintegrates 720 Ex-Boko Haram Fighters; Nearly 10,000 Rehabilitated

The Borno State Government has officially reintegrated 720 former Boko Haram fighters back into their communities, marking a significant milestone in the state's deradicalization and rehabilitation efforts. These individuals, who voluntarily surrendered to military authorities, have completed a comprehensive program aimed at preparing them for societal reintegration.

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Today, the Borno Model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes with over 350,000 persons that willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military.

This latest group joins a larger cohort, bringing the total number of ex-insurgents processed under the Borno initiative to nearly 10,000. The program, often referred to as the "Borno Model," encompasses profiling, deradicalization, and vocational skills training for surrendered insurgents, their spouses, and children. Officials lauded the program as one of the most effective non-kinetic approaches, citing the voluntary surrender of over 350,000 individuals.

Abdullahi Ishaq, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security, highlighted that many former fighters were persuaded to surrender by colleagues who had already successfully reintegrated. He noted that the path back from the bush often begins with encouraging calls from former comrades, promoting peace and reunion with families. The reintegration ceremony included beneficiaries swearing an oath on the Quran not to return to insurgent activities.

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Their way back from the bush began with a call from their colleagues encouraging them to surrender, embrace peace and reunite with their parents.

The beneficiaries hailed from various local government areas impacted by the insurgency, including Bama, Konduga, and Maiduguri. Community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters participated in the screening process. To support their transition, the state government provided starter packs to help the reintegrated individuals and their spouses establish livelihoods.

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The clients seated in front of you were disarmed, demobilised, thoroughly deradicalised and rehabilitated.