Borno repentant terrorists reintegration defended as state government says Quran oath discourages return to violent extremism

Borno State Government has defended its rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former insurgents, insisting that measures have been put in place to discourage repentant terrorists from returning to violent activities.

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Borno Ex-Terrorists reintegration initiative programme was defended by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, during an interview aired on News Central Television on Monday.

Gambo explained that one of the final stages of the rehabilitation process involves the former fighters taking an oath with the Quran, a step the government believes carries deep spiritual and moral consequences if violated.

According to the commissioner, the oath forms part of the broader Borno model designed to deradicalise and reintegrate ex-combatants into society after undergoing rehabilitation.

She stated that individuals who surrender and later return to terrorist groups risk severe consequences, describing them as “dead on arrival” within insurgent circles because they are often viewed as traitors after leaving the camps.

Borno repentant terrorists reintegration initiative has remained controversial in recent months following public concerns over the possibility of former insurgents returning to violence after re-entering communities.

Gambo, however, acknowledged that funding remains one of the major challenges affecting the smooth implementation of the programme, especially in areas such as feeding, clothing, education and long-term support for beneficiaries.

The debate intensified after 744 former terrorists recently graduated from the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor rehabilitation programme, with the majority originating from Borno State.

The development triggered criticism from several groups and stakeholders who questioned the transparency of the reintegration process and its impact on victims of insurgency.

President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, expressed concerns that reintegrating former terrorists without adequately addressing the suffering of victims could create the impression that perpetrators were being rewarded.

Similarly, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, called for greater transparency regarding the identities and roles of individuals enrolled in the programme.

Sanusi maintained that while international law supports reintegration efforts, the government must provide clarity on the extent of each participant’s involvement in terrorist activities to build public confidence in the process.

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Despite the criticism, Borno State authorities insist the rehabilitation programme remains an important strategy in tackling violent extremism and promoting long-term peace in the region.