By Daily Review Online
The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents alongside 992 spouses and 2,050 children into society following their deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and vocational training under the state’s non-kinetic counterinsurgency framework known as the “Borno Model.”
The beneficiaries, described as Batch 9 low-risk and minor clients, were formally presented during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri on Friday.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Security and member of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee, Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq (rtd), said the exercise marked another milestone in the state’s peacebuilding efforts.
He noted that the programme, which began in July 2021, has continued to encourage voluntary surrender and reintegration of former insurgents willing to abandon violence and embrace peace.
According to him, more than 350,000 individuals have so far exited insurgent-controlled areas and surrendered to security forces under the initiative, which combines rehabilitation with skills acquisition and community reintegration.
“The clients were profiled, disarmed where necessary, and transferred to rehabilitation facilities where they underwent structured deradicalisation programmes,” he said.
He explained that participants were engaged in Islamic counselling, psychosocial support sessions, hygiene education, and drug abuse awareness, alongside vocational training in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, metalwork, phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising, and motorcycle repair.
Women beneficiaries also received training in tailoring, soap making, knitting, and other income-generating skills, while starter packs were provided to support their reintegration into communities.
General Ishaq added that security and community stakeholders, including traditional leaders and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, participated in the screening process before approval for reintegration.
So far, the programme has reintegrated 9,680 persons across nine batches, according to official figures.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Babagana Kadai, described the initiative as a symbol of reconciliation, resilience, and recovery in conflict-affected communities.
She said the state government, under Governor Zulum, has continued to prioritize resettlement of displaced persons, reconstruction of destroyed communities, and empowerment programmes for vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, representatives of security agencies and religious leaders urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and serve as positive contributors to their communities.
Some of the reintegrated persons expressed gratitude to the government and pledged commitment to peaceful coexistence and community development.Headline Options: