KEY POINTS

• Borno State says it has reintegrated 9,680 repentant terrorists between July 2021 and June 2026.
• The latest batch of 720 former insurgents completed rehabilitation and were released back into their communities.
• Authorities say the programme combines deradicalisation, counselling and vocational training as part of the state’s non-kinetic strategy against insurgency.

The Borno State Government has disclosed that it has successfully reintegrated 9,680 repentant terrorists into society over the past five years as part of its non-kinetic strategy to tackle insurgency in the North-East.

The revelation was made on Friday in Maiduguri by Ishaq Abdullahi, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, during a ceremony marking the graduation of 720 rehabilitated former terrorists.

According to Abdullahi, the latest group of terrorists constitutes Batch Nine of the state’s rehabilitation, deradicalisation and reintegration programme and comprises low-risk and minor participants who voluntarily surrendered and embraced peace.

720 Former Terrorists Complete Rehabilitation

Abdullahi explained that the 720 beneficiaries took an oath on the Holy Quran before being released to return to their communities across Borno State.

He described the exercise as another major milestone in the state’s non-violent approach to combating insurgency, adding that the initiative has continued to attract former fighters willing to lay down their weapons.

“It has been a success story since July 5, 2021, when the people of Borno State under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum agreed to forgive and accept their sons who are willing to drop their arms and embrace peace,” he said.

Abdullahi said the Borno model has gained recognition as one of the most successful non-kinetic counter-insurgency programmes, noting that more than 350,000 people have voluntarily left insurgent camps and surrendered to security forces.

With the graduation of the latest batch of terrorists, the number of former terrorists reintegrated through the programme has risen to 9,680 across nine batches.

He added that the programme has also catered for 992 spouses and 2,050 children linked to the ex-combatants.