Jun 12, 2026

Borno Reintegrates 9,680 Repentant Insurgents in Five Years

By Afolai Olaiya Idowu in news

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Maiduguri, Borno State – June 12, 2026— The Borno State Government has successfully reintegrated a total of 9,680 repentant insurgents into society over the past five years as part of its flagship deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programme.

Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, disclosed this figure on Friday during a ceremony at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri marking the completion of rehabilitation for Batch 9, comprising 720 low-risk repentant insurgents.

The latest batch includes 720 men, along with 992 spouses and 2,050 children associated with them, who underwent months of deradicalisation, counselling, vocational training (in skills such as carpentry and phone repairs), and disarmament.

Before reintegration, participants took an oath with the Holy Quran to renounce violence and embrace peace.

The programme, launched on July 5, 2021, under Governor Zulum’s administration, encourages voluntary surrender by low-risk insurgents in exchange for forgiveness, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

It has processed participants across nine batches, focusing on psychological support, skill acquisition, and community acceptance to foster long-term peace in a state devastated by over 15 years of Boko Haram insurgency.

Abdullahi described the initiative as a “success story,” noting significant participation from former fighters who willingly dropped their arms.

Beneficiaries receive starter packs and clearance from security agencies and community leaders before returning home.

While the state government hails the programme for reducing active combatants and promoting reconciliation, it has drawn sharp criticism.

Many residents and online commentators question the sincerity of the “repentant” fighters, fearing recidivism and arguing that reintegration undermines justice for victims of terrorism.

Critics argue that resources should prioritise victims’ support and military operations, especially amid recent security challenges in the region.

Proponents, however, view it as a pragmatic, non-kinetic complement to military efforts, helping to stabilise communities and prevent the cycle of violence.

Governor Zulum’s administration continues to emphasise forgiveness and second chances for those genuinely willing to change, positioning the “Borno Model” as a humane and sustainable path toward lasting peace.

This latest reintegration exercise underscores Borno’s commitment to combining security operations with rehabilitation in the fight against insurgency.