From Uthman Abubakar, in Maiduguri
Amidst sporadic resurgence of terror activities across parts of the state over the recent years, the UN-endorsed Borno Model of societal recovery has so far reintegrated 9,680 surrendered Boko Haram terrorists in their home communities across Borno State.
This figure comprised the 8,960 reintegrated in Batches 1-8 and the 720 Batch 9, whose reintegration was flagged-off on Friday, June 12.
The latest 720 were reintegrated along with their 992 spouses and 2,050 children after, as usual, undergoing an expansive process of disarmament, deradicalization, rehabilitation and skills acquisition programmes at the Maiduguri Hajj Camp.
The reintegration of surrendered insurgents, implemented under the Borno Model, has been going on over the recent years.
The Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor on Security, Brigadier-General Abdullahi Ishaq (Rtd) said at the flag-off of the reintegration at the Hajj Camp, Friday in Maiduguri described the occasion as a milestone in Borno Model Non-Kinetic approach to the fight against terrorism in Borno State and the entire North East region.
He said after the intensive and extensive deradicalization proces, which comprised Islamic religious studies, the surrendered terrorists acquired skills on such trades as metal works, carpentry, tailoring, pot making, brick
laying, barbing, cap making, repair of phones, solar installation, vulcanizing and repairs of motorcycles.
General Ishaq said their spouses were trained on such trades as catering,
knitting, cap marking, tailoring, soap making.
Ishaq noted that the State Government has provided starter packs for the clients
and their spouses to support them in their post camp life.
“The clients seated in front of you were disarmed, demobilized, thoroughly deradicalized and rehabilitated,” the Special Adviser, said,explaining, “They are from Bama, Kondugua, MMC, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Mongunu, Kukawa, Gbambolu Ngala,
Kala-Balge and Gubio LGAs.”
“Community leaders, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters
screened them properly before recommending them for reintegration”. Ishaq explained, as he urged them all to go back home and be law abiding, participate actively and positively in community work and development programmes. ENDS
