Borno reintegrates 720 repentant terrorists after rehabilitation - Official

The Borno State Government has successfully reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents back into society after they completed their deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DRR) program. This group, described as low-risk and minor clients, represents Batch 9 of the state's initiative.

Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, highlighted the program's success at a ceremony in Maiduguri. He stated that the initiative, launched on July 5, 2021, is a significant part of the state's non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East. Abdullahi lauded the program as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally, noting that over 350,000 individuals have voluntarily surrendered their arms.

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It has been a success story since 5th July 2021 when the good people of Borno State, under the stewardship of our dynamic leader, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who are willing to drop arms and embrace peace.

With the addition of the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of individuals reintegrated under the program has reached 9,680. The initiative also encompasses 992 spouses and over 2,000 individuals who surrendered to troops and were processed through the same system. The reintegration process begins when repentant insurgents voluntarily exit conflict zones and report to military locations for initial profiling and disarmament.

Participants undergo structured rehabilitation, including Islamic teachings, counseling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and vocational training. Sessions cover skills such as metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, and phone repair, preparing them for life after the camps. The Borno model is recognized for its effectiveness in fostering peace and encouraging former fighters to embrace civilian life.

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