The Borno State Government has announced the reintegration of 720 repentant insurgents who have successfully completed their deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme back into society.
The beneficiaries, described as low-risk participants under Batch 9 of the initiative, were sworn in using the Holy Quran before being formally released to return to their respective communities across Borno State.
The development was confirmed by the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri marking the completion of their rehabilitation process.
He explained that the programme reflects the state’s ongoing non-kinetic approach to tackling insurgency in the North-East, describing it as a key model for peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
According to him, the initiative launched on July 5, 2021, under Governor Zulum, has continued to record voluntary surrender from former fighters who have chosen to abandon armed conflict.
“It has been a success story since 5th July 2021 when the good people of Borno State, under the stewardship of our dynamic leader, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who are willing to drop arms and embrace peace.
“Today, the Borno model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind, with over 350,000 persons who willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military.”
Authorities say the programme remains part of broader efforts to stabilise the region and promote long-term peace in communities affected by years of insurgency.
