The government of Borno State has officially received 230 former Boko Haram members, following their completion of a federal deradicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
The returnees, all natives of Borno, were part of a larger group of 390 individuals who surrendered to the Nigerian Army and underwent the Federal Government’s Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme at the Malam Sidi camp in Gombe State.
During a combined graduation ceremony for Batches Six and Seven, Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, commended the collaboration among various government agencies that contributed to the programme’s success.
He called on local communities to play an active role in the reintegration process.
He noted that the participants completed a six-month programme that included psychological support, civic education, vocational skills training, and religious counselling to prepare them for life after insurgency.
Col. A.A. Johnson, Commandant of the DRR Camp, emphasised that the programme tackled both behavioural and ideological issues.
He explained that the oath of allegiance taken by the graduates was a declaration of their commitment to peace and unity.
Representing the Borno State Government, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, reaffirmed Governor Babagana Zulum’s dedication to healing and reconciliation.
“We are here to welcome our indigenes and reassure them that Borno is ready to reintegrate them into society with dignity. This process is about forgiveness, healing and rebuilding,” she said.
Gambo also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and the federal government for their role in restoring stability in the North-East and providing transformative opportunities through the DRR initiative.
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