The Borno State Government has confirmed that repentant terrorists undergoing rehabilitation and deradicalisation must take an oath on the Quran before being reintegrated into society. The government insists that this oath serves as a powerful deterrent against returning to terrorism.
Commissioner's Statement
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, disclosed this during an interview with News Central Television on Monday, May 11, 2026. Her comments came amid concerns that some rehabilitated terrorists could return to violent activities after reintegration.
According to her, taking an oath with the holy book is the final stage of the Borno model for rehabilitation and carries serious spiritual implications for those involved.
"They come to us through all the processes of the Borno model, the last thing they do is, they take an oath with the Quran. Once you swear by the Quran, you know the implication," she said.
Fear of Return Addressed
Gambo dismissed fears that the former fighters could easily return to the bush, stating that defectors who abandon insurgent groups and surrender to authorities are often considered traitors by their former allies.
"People assume that they will go back to the bush; well, they may, but they are dead on arrival. So, it is not even about whether they have been certified or we trust them or not. The law of the jungle takes care of that. The moment you step out and surrender to the constituted authority, you become an infidel," she added.
Funding Challenges
The commissioner, however, identified inadequate funding as one of the major challenges confronting the rehabilitation programme.
"The challenge, of course, has to do with funding, because you bring a lot of people on board, but how are you going to feed them, clothe them and provide them with the necessary access to education?" she added.
