The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents who have completed their deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration process under its ongoing non-kinetic counter-insurgency initiative.
The latest group, described as low-risk participants and Batch 9 beneficiaries, was formally released on Friday, June 12, 2026, at an event held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri. The individuals were sworn in using the Holy Quran before being allowed to return to their respective communities across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (rtd.), said the exercise reflects the state’s sustained commitment to peacebuilding and rehabilitation rather than purely military responses to insurgency.
He described the programme, launched in July 2021 under Governor Zulum, as one of the most structured reintegration efforts in the region, noting that it continues to record participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrender.
According to him, the latest release brings the total number of reintegrated individuals under the programme to 9,680 across nine batches. He added that the exercise has also included 992 spouses and 2,050 children linked to the beneficiaries.
Abdullahi explained that participants undergo profiling, disarmament, counselling, Islamic teachings, hygiene education, drug awareness sessions, and vocational training before reintegration.
He listed some of the skills acquired in the rehabilitation camps to include tailoring, carpentry, metal work, bricklaying, phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising, barbing, and other trades designed to support civilian life.
He further noted that community leaders, alongside security stakeholders such as the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, participate in screening and clearance before beneficiaries are approved for reintegration.
Abdullahi urged the released individuals to embrace peace, remain law-abiding, and contribute positively to rebuilding their communities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by the Permanent Secretary, described the programme as a symbol of reconciliation and recovery, commending the state government for its continued efforts to resettle displaced persons and rebuild conflict-affected communities.