Thousands of repentant Boko Haram terrorists are required to take an oath on the Quran before being fully reintegrated into their communities in Borno State. This measure aims to prevent a return to terrorism.
Oath as Deterrent
Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, the former Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development in Borno, stated that the state government has alleviated fears that many repentant terrorists, after undergoing rehabilitation and de-radicalization, would revert to terrorism. She emphasized that swearing on the Quran is a key part of the reintegration program, considered a powerful deterrent against taking up arms again.
Implications of the Oath
In an interview with News Central Television aired on Monday, Gambo explained: "Taking an oath with the holy book without adhering to it has serious implications for the security of lives and property." She added that after completing all processes of the Borno model, the final step is swearing on the Quran. "Once you swear by the Quran, you know the implication. People assume they will go back to the bush; well, they may, but they are dead on arrival. The law of the jungle takes care of that. The moment you step out and surrender to constituted authority, you become an infidel."
Funding Challenges
The former commissioner highlighted that funding remains a major challenge to the smooth implementation of the program. "The challenge has to do with funding, because you bring many people on board, but how are you going to feed them, clothe them, and provide them with access to education?" she queried.
