We’ve integrated about 8,000 ex-Boko Haram members, families into society — Borno govt

The Borno Government has disclosed that it has recorded about 75 per cent success in the reintegration of former Boko Haram insurgents and their families into society.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, made the disclosure while speaking on the progress and challenges of the programme in Maiduguri on Saturday, noting that the initiative had become a critical component of the state’s peace-building and recovery efforts following the mass surrender of insurgents and their families in the North East.

“With all sense of modesty, and I want to be very humble about it, I think we have about 75 per cent success,” she said.

According to her, the surrender of thousands of former insurgents created a major humanitarian and security responsibility for the state government, leading Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to establish structures to manage the rehabilitation and reintegration process.

She explained that many of those who surrendered were not directly involved in combat operations but served as logistics suppliers and support personnel within insurgent camps.

“We have integrated about 8,000 or thereabout,” she disclosed.

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Gambo noted that the majority of those arriving at the camps were women and children, many of whom came with traumatic experiences, health challenges and little exposure to formal society.

“These are women that are coming out with trauma. These are women that may be victims of gender-based violence. These are women suffering from mental health and psychosocial challenges,” she said.

The commissioner added that some of the children had never lived in organised communities or seen modern buildings before their arrival at the rehabilitation camps.

She said one of the earliest challenges faced by the government was how to manage the large number of people while also earning their trust and convincing them that life outside the insurgent enclaves offered better opportunities.

To address the situation, she said the government deployed trained social workers and established temporary learning centres, clinics and skills acquisition centres to support the rehabilitation process.

According to her, vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, elderly persons and persons living with disabilities, were separated for specialised care at interim care centres.

She explained that after undergoing psychosocial support and rehabilitation, many of them were reunited with their families and communities following consultations with relatives and community leaders.

Gambo, however, identified funding as one of the major challenges confronting the programme.

“It has to do with funding because you bring a lot of people on board. You have to feed them, clothe them and provide access to education,” she said.

She also dismissed claims that some rehabilitated persons returned to insurgent groups after reintegration.

According to her, insurgent groups often reject those who surrender and later attempt to return.