The Borno State Government has officially reintegrated a new group of 3,762 individuals, consisting of 720 men, 992 spouses, and 2,050 children, who previously surrendered to military forces. This latest group represents Batch 9 of the state's low-risk and minor classification program. Before their community release, the individuals underwent an extensive deradicalization, disarmament, and rehabilitation process at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, concluding their stay with an oath of allegiance sworn on the Holy Quran.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the Hajj Camp, Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, highlighted the event as a significant milestone for the region's non-kinetic approach to counter-terrorism. Known as the "Borno Model," this strategy has led to the voluntary surrender of over 350,000 individuals since its launch in July 2021.
General Ishaq detailed the rehabilitation process, explaining that initial entry begins when individuals exit remote camps, surrender any weapons to the nearest military checkpoint, and undergo formal profiling. While at the Hajj Camp, participants engaged in a structured weekly routine. Tuesdays and Thursdays were dedicated to religious education, personal hygiene, and drug abuse awareness. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays focused on vocational training. Male participants learned trades such as carpentry, metalworks, tailoring, solar installation, and electronics repair, while female participants received training in soap making, knitting, catering, and tailoring.
To support their transition back into society, the state government provided all graduates and their spouses with starter packs to establish independent livelihoods. The current batch brings the total number of reintegrated individuals across nine distinct phases to 9,680. The beneficiaries represent various local government areas, including Bama, Gwoza, Damboa, and Kukawa. Their return was approved following thorough screening by community leaders, hunters, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Government and Community Support
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development played a central role in managing the social aspects of the program. Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, representing Commissioner Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, described the initiative as a major step toward restoring peace and rebuilding lives affected by years of conflict. Kadai emphasized the ministry's ongoing work in providing psychosocial counseling, family reunification, child protection services, and community sensitization to ensure long-term social cohesion.
The ceremony also featured messages of support from religious and security leaders. Representatives from the Chief Imam of Borno, the Ministry of Information and Internal Security, the Nigeria Police Force, Immigration, Customs, and the Correctional Service all urged the newly reintegrated citizens to remain law-abiding and actively contribute to local development.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from previously reintegrated individuals, including Idris Abdulkadir, Ali Kaka, and Ibrahim Mohammed. They shared positive reports of their successful transitions, noting that they continue to live peacefully and productively within their respective communities.