The Borno State Government has disclosed that it has achieved about 75 per cent success in the reintegration of former Boko Haram insurgents and their families into society.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, made the disclosure while speaking on the progress and challenges of the programme in Maiduguri on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
According to her, the initiative has become a key part of the state’s peace-building and post-conflict recovery efforts following the mass surrender of insurgents and their families in the North East.
“With all sense of modesty, and I want to be very humble about it, I think we have about 75 per cent success,” she said.
Gambo explained that the surrender of thousands of former insurgents created a major humanitarian and security responsibility for the state government, prompting Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to establish structures for rehabilitation and reintegration.
She noted that many of those who surrendered were not directly involved in combat but served as logistics suppliers and support personnel within insurgent camps.
“We have integrated about 8,000 or thereabout,” she revealed, adding that the majority of those arriving at rehabilitation camps were women and children dealing with trauma, health concerns, and limited exposure to formal society.
“These are women that are coming out with trauma. These are women that may be victims of gender-based violence. These are women suffering from mental health and psychosocial challenges,” she said.
The commissioner also disclosed that some of the children had never lived in organised communities or seen modern buildings before arriving at the camps.
According to her, one of the major early challenges was managing the large number of returnees while gaining their trust and convincing them that life outside insurgent enclaves offered better opportunities.
To address the situation, the government deployed trained social workers and established temporary schools, clinics, and vocational training centres to support rehabilitation efforts.
She added that vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, elderly persons, and people living with disabilities, were separated for specialised care at interim support centres.
After receiving psychosocial support and rehabilitation, many of the returnees were reunited with their families and communities following consultations with relatives and community leaders.
However, Gambo identified inadequate funding as one of the biggest challenges affecting the programme.
“It has to do with funding because you bring a lot of people on board. You have to feed them, clothe them and provide access to education,” she said.
She also dismissed reports claiming that some rehabilitated individuals had returned to insurgent groups, stating that insurgent camps often reject people who previously surrendered and attempted to return.