Borno State has reintegrated 720 former insurgents into society after they completed a rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme, according to a government official.
The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), announced this on Friday during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri for Batch 9 of the programme.
He said the beneficiaries, described as low-risk participants, were formally sworn in using the Holy Quran before being released to their various communities across the state.
Abdullahi explained that the initiative reflects the state’s non-military approach to tackling insurgency and promoting long-term peace in the North-East.
He noted that the programme, which began in July 2021 under Governor Zulum, has recorded increasing voluntary surrender from former fighters over the years.
According to him, the state has continued to embrace reconciliation as part of its peace strategy, with thousands already processed through the system.
He added that the latest batch brings the total number of reintegrated persons to 9,680, alongside additional spouses and others who have also undergone the programme.
Participants, he said, were exposed to rehabilitation sessions including religious teachings, counselling, health and hygiene awareness, drug abuse education, and vocational training in different trades.
Abdullahi further disclosed that traditional leaders, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters were involved in screening the individuals before they were cleared for reintegration.
He urged the beneficiaries to return to their communities as peaceful citizens and contribute positively to development and stability.
A representative of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development also commended the programme, describing it as an important step toward reconciliation, recovery, and rebuilding affected communities in the state.
