The Borno State government has announced the successful reintegration of 8,490 repentant Boko Haram members through the Borno Model process.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, during an oath-taking event for 560 repentant insurgents in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Prof. Tar emphasized that the individuals reintegrated are considered low-risk and include minors.
He said they have been thoroughly vetted by military and security agencies, as well as traditional leaders from their communities.
“For the past three years, we established the Borno Model for the mass return of insurgents and those trapped in violence. Today, we are welcoming an additional 560 returnees who are low risks and minors.
“They have been trained in various trades such as phone repairs, mechanics, carpentry, and more,” Prof. Tar stated.
He added that surveys indicate that those reintegrated have adhered to societal norms and have not returned to insurgent activities.
The Borno State Special Adviser on Security Affairs, Brig. General Abdullahi Ishaq (rtd), noted that the program has been successful, with a total of 8,490 low-risk individuals and minors reintegrated into society.
His words: “As I speak today, we have reintegrated a total of 8,490 low risks and minors.
“Previously, we resettled 7,930, and now 560 more people. Many of them were taken by insurgents when they were as young as 10 years old.”
He added that the reintegration process includes training in various trades and the provision of starter packs to help these individuals re-establish their lives.
According to him, community leaders have been involved in screening and requesting the release of these individuals back to their communities, which include areas such as Konduga, Dikwa, Ngala, Marte, Kukawa, Mobbar, Bama, and Gwoza.
Prof. Tar concluded by expressing confidence in the Borno Model, which is also being considered by other state governments as a means of addressing the reintegration of former insurgents.
