The Borno State Government has assured residents that repentant terrorists undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration will not easily return to terrorism after completing the state’s deradicalisation programme.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, made this known during an interview aired on News Central TV on Monday.
According to Gambo, one of the final stages of the rehabilitation process involves taking an oath with the Holy Quran, a step she described as a powerful deterrent against returning to violent activities.
She explained that the Borno model of rehabilitation includes counselling, education, vocational training, and deradicalization before the former insurgents are reintegrated into society.
Quran Oath Part of Deradicalisation Process
Speaking during the interview, Gambo said the oath-taking process carries serious spiritual and social consequences for those involved.
She said:
“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.”
The commissioner added that many people fear the repentant fighters may return to the bush, but insisted that such actions could have deadly consequences for them.
“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 surrender to the constituted authority, you become an infidel,” she stated.
Funding Remains Major Challenge
Despite defending the rehabilitation programme, Gambo admitted that funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing the initiative.
She noted that the government struggles with providing food, clothing, education, and other support services for the growing number of repentant terrorists enrolled in the 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 stressed.
Public Reactions Continue
The reintegration of former terrorists into communities has continued to spark debate across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing concerns over security and trust.
While supporters of the programme argue that rehabilitation and deradicalisation are necessary for lasting peace in the North-East, critics believe stricter monitoring measures are needed to ensure public safety.
The Borno State Government, however, maintains that the programme is designed to promote peace, reduce insurgency, and help former fighters rebuild their lives outside terrorism.
