Why repentant terrorists won’t return to bush after swearing with Quran — Borno govt

The Borno State Government says repentant terrorists who have undergone rehabilitation and deradicalisation are unlikely to return to insurgency after swearing with the Quran before their reintegration into society.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, said the oath-taking process is a critical aspect of the Borno model, stressing that those who swear with the holy book understand the consequences of breaking the vow.

Gambo stated this during an interview with News Central Television aired on Monday while responding to concerns that some rehabilitated insurgents could return to the bush after completing the programme.

According to her, the fear that repentant terrorists may resume violent activities is unfounded because insurgent groups often see defectors who surrender to government authorities as traitors.

“When they come to us through all the processes of the Borno model, the last thing they do is, they take an oath with the Quran. Once you swear by the Quran, you know the implication,” she said.

She added, “People assume that they will go back to the bush; well, they may, but they are dead on arrival. So, it is not even about whether they have been certified or we trust them or not. The law of the jungle takes care of that. The moment you step out, and you surrender to the constituted authority, you become an infidel.”

The commissioner, however, said funding remains one of the major challenges affecting the smooth implementation of the rehabilitation programme.

“The challenge, of course, has to do with funding, because you bring a lot of people on board, but how are you going to feed them, how are you going to clothe and provide for them with necessary access to education,” she stated.

Tribune Online reported growing outrage over the graduation and planned reintegration of 744 former terrorists under the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme, Operation Safe Corridor.

Of the beneficiaries, 597 were from Borno State, while others came from Adamawa, Yobe, Kano and several other states.