30 ex-Boko Haram members graduate from deradicalisation programme in Borno

Thirty women and girls formerly associated with the Boko Haram sect have renounced extremism and graduated from a deradicalisation programme in Borno.

At a ceremony tagged “Building Bridges of Reconciliation” in Maiduguri on Tuesday, organised by the Al-Amin Foundation for Peace and Development, Executive Director Hamsatu Al-Amin disclosed that the programme employed a multi-faceted approach to help participants shun extremism.

According to her, the programme has raised hopes of a new approach to tackling the decade-long crisis, combining Islamic scholarship, community engagement, and mental health support.

Al-Amin revealed that the participants received intensive deradicalisation sessions, training in livelihood skills, and start-up kits to ensure economic independence.

With this batch, the foundation has successfully deradicalised 90 former Boko Haram members, a feat hailed as a significant milestone in the fight against extremism in the state.

Borno Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, welcomed the programme’s success, noting its alignment with the state government’s efforts to combat extremism.

“This programme has raised hopes for a new approach to reconciliation process with surrendered Boko Haram members,” the commissioner said.

Two of the deradicalised women, Fatima Musa and Zara Mohammed, have appealed for forgiveness from the people of Borno, saying they have been “born again.”

Fatima narrated how she was misled into joining Boko Haram but has since found a new path.