Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 former insurgents, alongside 992 spouses and 2,050 children, under its ongoing deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme, describing the exercise as a critical component of efforts to restore lasting peace across the state.
The beneficiaries, classified as low-risk and minor clients under Batch 9 of the programme, formally completed their rehabilitation process during a ceremony held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, said the programme was designed to rebuild lives shattered by years of insurgency while promoting reconciliation and social cohesion.
According to her, the beneficiaries underwent extensive rehabilitation, counselling, orientation and vocational training aimed at equipping them with skills needed to become self-reliant upon returning to their communities.
“Today is not merely a ceremony it is a celebration of hope, resilience, reconciliation, and the commitment of the Borno State Government to restoring peace and rebuilding lives affected by years of insurgency,” Gambo said.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Babagana Kadai, the commissioner praised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for what she described as his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, rehabilitation and community recovery.
She noted that the governor’s approach combines security operations with rehabilitation, reconciliation and sustainable development initiatives.
“Under his leadership, thousands of families displaced by conflict have been resettled, communities have been rebuilt, schools and healthcare facilities have been restored, and opportunities have been created for vulnerable populations to regain their dignity and livelihoods.
“This programme is another testament to his administration’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and social cohesion in Borno State. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has remained at the forefront of these efforts.»
“Since the inception of various rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, the Ministry has played a critical role in providing psychosocial support, family tracing and reunification services, child protection interventions, women empowerment initiatives, vocational training, and community sensitization programmes aimed at ensuring successful reintegration.»
“Our Ministry has worked tirelessly alongside state institutions, development partners, humanitarian organizations, and community stakeholders to support women, children, and vulnerable families affected by conflict.
“We have provided counseling services, livelihood support, educational opportunities, and social protection interventions designed to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.”
Gambo stressed that successful reintegration requires support from communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders and families.
“Their successful reintegration is a reflection of the collective efforts of government institutions, security agencies, development partners, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and host communities.”
She appealed for continued understanding and acceptance of the returnees, emphasizing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs, retired Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq, described the exercise as another milestone in what he called the “Borno Model” non-kinetic strategy against insurgency.
According to him, more than 350,000 individuals have voluntarily surrendered since the programme began, making it one of the most significant deradicalisation efforts in the region.
“Today is the reintegration of clients of Batch 9 made up of 720 men, 992 spouses and over 2,000 children and marks another milestone in Borno Model Non-Kinetic approach to the fight against terrorism in North East region of Nigeria generally and Borno State in particular.»
“Today Borno Model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programme in the history of mankind with over 350,000 persons that willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military.”
Ishaq explained that participants underwent months of structured rehabilitation involving religious reorientation, counselling, civic education and vocational training.
The vocational programmes covered trades including metal fabrication, carpentry, tailoring, bricklaying, pottery, barbing, phone repairs, solar installation, vulcanising, motorcycle repairs and cap making.
Women in the programme were trained in catering services, knitting, tailoring, soap production and other income-generating skills.
He added that the state government had provided starter packs and financial support to assist beneficiaries in rebuilding their lives after leaving the camp.
“The Borno Model has reintegrated 8,960 in Batches 1-8 and with today’s 720 clients (Batch 9), it would be 9,680 clients.”
The security adviser disclosed that the rehabilitated clients originated from several local government areas, including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Monguno, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala-Balge and Gubio.
He said community leaders, vigilante groups and security stakeholders participated in screening the beneficiaries before recommending them for reintegration.
“Indeed, they were reconciled with their community members and today they are considered worthy to be reintegrated back to their communities.”
Ishaq urged the returnees to become law-abiding citizens and actively contribute to community development.
“To my clients I urge you all to go back home and be law abiding. Participate actively and positively in community work and development programmes.”»
He warned them against isolating themselves or creating separate groups within their communities, stressing that any breach of the law would attract consequences.
The event also featured goodwill messages from traditional rulers, security agencies and religious leaders.
Islamic scholar Sheikh Imam Shettima Ja’afar preached peace, tolerance, unity, forgiveness, reconciliation and mutual understanding between the returnees and host communities.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to become self-reliant, support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities and serve as positive ambassadors in their communities.
The cleric commended Governor Zulum, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, security agencies and camp officials for their roles in the rehabilitation process.
Representatives of the Shehu of Borno also advised the beneficiaries to embrace peaceful coexistence, respect constituted authorities and contribute positively to society.
Similarly, retired Colonel Yahaya Gambo, Special Adviser to the Governor on the Civilian Joint Task Force, urged the returnees to uphold the values of peacebuilding and community development acquired during their rehabilitation.
Former beneficiaries who had successfully reintegrated into society shared testimonies of their experiences and encouraged the new batch to remain patient, law-abiding and committed to peaceful living.
Officials said food supplies, logistics support, starter packs and cash assistance had been provided to facilitate the beneficiaries’ transition back into civilian life.