Borno State Defends Terrorist Reintegration Program

Borno State is actively defending its reintegration program for repentant terrorists, with Zuwaira Gambo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, stating that the program includes an oath-taking process designed to discourage former militants from returning to violence. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate and deradicalize individuals who have surrendered from armed groups.

Currently, the program is in its final stages, with plans to reintegrate 744 former terrorists, of which 597 are from Borno State, while others are from Adamawa, Yobe, and Kano. However, Gambo acknowledged that funding remains a significant challenge affecting the program's smooth operation.

Public concerns have been raised regarding the transparency and accountability of the reintegration process, particularly following the recent graduation of participants. Afam Osigwe from the Nigerian Bar Association and Isa Sanusi from Amnesty International have both expressed concerns about the lack of oversight and the need for a transparent reintegration process.