Borno returns 3,762 reformed insurgents to communities after vocational training, oath taking 

The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children who surrendered to troops after undergoing deradicalisation, disarmament, and rehabilitation. These individuals form Batch 9, a group of low-risk and minor offenders who swore oaths on the Holy Quran before being reunited with their respective communities across Borno State.

​Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq (Rtd), disclosed this to Governor Babagana Zulum on Friday at an event held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri. Ishaq, who is also a member of the committee for the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of repentant insurgents, stated that the event marks another milestone in the Borno Model non-kinetic approach to fighting terrorism in Nigeria’s North East region.

​Borno Model yields 350,000 voluntary surrenders since 2021

According to General Ishaq, the strategy has been a success story since 5 July 2021, when the people of Borno State, under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept compatriots willing to lay down arms. Today, the Borno Model is regarded as one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in history, with over 350,000 individuals willingly exiting the bush to surrender to the military.

​The 3,762 individuals in the latest batch reported to the nearest military locations for initial profiling, and those who were armed surrendered their weapons. While some insurgents left their camps but were arrested or killed before reaching safety, those who reached military sites were transferred to the Hajj Camp for proper documentation, profiling, and deradicalisation.

​Vocational training and starter packs drive community reintegration

During their time in the camp, administrators kept the clients engaged with various programmes to prepare them for life after reintegration. Tuesdays and Thursdays were dedicated to Islamic teachings and lectures on hygiene and drug abuse. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays focused on vocational skills such as metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, pottery, bricklaying, barbering, phone repairs, solar installation, and motorcycle repair.

​The women in the camp received training in petty trades, including catering services, knitting, tailoring, and soap-making. To support their transition back into society, the state government provided starter packs to all reintegrated individuals and their spouses.

​Community leaders screen clients across 15 local government areas

The Borno Model has successfully reintegrated 8,960 persons across Batches 1 to 8. The addition of the 720 men from Batch 9 brings the total number of reintegrated male clients to 9,680. These individuals hail from 15 local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Gubio, Ngala, and Kala/Balge.

​Community leaders, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local hunters screened the individuals carefully before recommending their reintegration. General Ishaq called on them to return home, abide by the law, and actively participate in community development efforts.

​Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, described the day as a celebration of hope, resilience, and reconciliation. In their acknowledgements, former reintegrated members Idris Abdulkadir, Ali Kaka, and Ibrahim Mohammed expressed gratitude, noting that they have been living peacefully and contributing to the state’s socio-economic development.