The Borno State Government has defended its rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former terrorists, stating that repentant insurgents are required to swear an oath with the Quran before being accepted back into society.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, disclosed this during an interview on News Central Television on Monday.
According to her, the oath-taking process is a crucial part of the Borno model for deradicalisation and is intended to discourage ex-fighters from returning to terrorism.
Gambo explained that swearing with the Quran carries serious spiritual and moral consequences for those involved.
She said many people fear that rehabilitated terrorists may eventually return to the bush, but insisted that such individuals would face severe consequences if they betray the process after surrendering to government authorities.
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The commissioner also acknowledged that the rehabilitation programme faces major challenges, especially inadequate funding. She noted that the government struggles with feeding, clothing, educating, and providing welfare support for the large number of people undergoing rehabilitation.
The comments come amid growing national debate over the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor programme, which recently graduated and prepared 744 former insurgents for reintegration into society.
Most of the beneficiaries reportedly came from Borno State, while others were drawn from Adamawa State, Yobe State, and Kano State.
The programme has continued to attract criticism from some Nigerians and civil society groups, who argue that victims of terrorism are often overlooked while former fighters receive rehabilitation and reintegration support.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, said the initiative raises concerns about transparency and justice for victims affected by terrorist violence.
Also reacting, Amnesty International Country Director, Isa Sanusi, called for greater transparency regarding the identities and roles of the repentant insurgents, stressing that the public deserves to know the level of involvement of those being reintegrated.
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