The Borno State Government has successfully reintegrated 720 repentant Boko Haram insurgents, along with 992 spouses and 2,050 children, into their communities under the ongoing non-kinetic "Borno Model" approach to counterinsurgency.
Batch 9 Reintegration
The repentant insurgents, classified as low-risk and minor clients under Batch 9 of the programme, underwent a comprehensive three-month deradicalisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, and skills acquisition training at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri. Before their reintegration, they took an oath with the Quran.
This was disclosed on Friday in Maiduguri by Brigadier-General Abdullahi Ishaq (rtd), Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security and a member of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee.
Success of the Borno Model
Ishaq described the event as another milestone in the implementation of the Borno Model, which he called one of the most effective non-kinetic counterterrorism approaches in the North-East and Nigeria. He noted that since July 5, 2021, when the people of Borno agreed to forgive and accept repentant insurgents, over 350,000 individuals have surrendered to the military.
"Today, the Borno Model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind," Ishaq said.
Rehabilitation Process
The latest batch comprised 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children who surrendered to Nigerian Army troops and underwent documentation, profiling, deradicalisation, and rehabilitation. Many were persuaded to surrender through appeals from former colleagues who had earlier embraced peace. Some insurgents attempting to surrender were intercepted and killed before reaching military locations.
At the Hajj Camp, administrators engaged the clients in activities aimed at preparing them for peaceful civilian life. Women received vocational training in catering, knitting, cap-making, tailoring, and soap production. The State Government provided starter packs for the clients and their spouses to support their post-camp life.
Total Reintegrated Clients
Ishaq revealed that previous batches (1 to 8) had reintegrated 8,960 clients, bringing the total to 9,680 with the latest batch. Beneficiaries came from local government areas including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge, and Gubio.
Community leaders, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters groups participated in screening the repentant insurgents before recommending them for reintegration. Ishaq urged beneficiaries to be law-abiding and participate in community development.
Government and Community Support
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, resilience, and peacebuilding. Kadai praised Governor Zulum's leadership for rebuilding communities, resettling families, restoring schools and healthcare, and creating opportunities for vulnerable populations.
The ministry provided psychosocial support, family tracing, child protection, vocational training, women empowerment, and community sensitisation, working with development partners and humanitarian organisations.
In goodwill messages, the Chief Imam of Borno, represented by Sheikh Shettima Jafar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security Professor Usman Tar, and representatives of the Police, Immigration Service, Customs, and Correctional Service urged the repentant insurgents to be law-abiding and become good ambassadors of peace.
