Yobe reintegrates 390 repentant Boko Haram members
The Yobe State Government has announced that it has concluded plans to reintegrate repentant Boko Haram members into the society.
According to it, the repentant Boko Haram members had undergone the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration program under Operation Safe Corridor.
Governor Mai Buni who made the announcement during a meeting with OPSC representatives led by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, in Damaturu, the state capital, said the exercise will take place between April 14 and 19, 2025.
Buni explained that a total of 390 set of the former insurgents is to graduate from the DRR program.
The governor added that 54 of the repentant Boko Haram members are indigenes of Yobe State.
According to him, his administration acknowledged the devastating impact of the 15-year insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives, destroyed properties, and displaced many households.
He emphasised the need for a non-kinetic approach to address the root causes of the insurgency, recognising that not all Boko Haram members joined willingly.
Buni also appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s multifaceted approach to ending insurgency and major crimes in the North.
“We shared the belief that some individuals were conscripted into the insurgency through force or indoctrination.
“With sustained efforts, they can repent, rehabilitate and return to normal life as responsible citizens.
“The state government is committed to reintegrating repentant insurgents, with 390 set to graduate from the DRR program between April 14 and 19, including 54 Yobe indigenes.
“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management will oversee the reintegration process.”
Speaking, Gen. Musa stressed the importance of community involvement in sustaining the reintegration process, highlighting that de-radicalization is an ongoing effort requiring community-level support.
He also appealed for expanded de-radicalization centers, vocational training facilities, and modern equipment to enhance rehabilitation.
“With your support, those who observe the positive changes in the lives of ex-members will be encouraged to surrender willingly,” he said.
