Borno State government has reassured everyone that none of the more than 160,000 former members of Boko Haram who have renounced their ties to the group have gone back to fighting against the Nigerian government.
There were worries among the public that the recent increase in violence in the North-East region might be because some of the former insurgents had changed their minds and rejoined the terrorist group.
Zuwaira Gambo, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, who is responsible for overseeing the well-being of ex-combatants and rescued captives, spoke out about this issue in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
She explained that out of the large number of former insurgents who have renounced violence, more than 70,000 have been successfully reintegrated into their communities. She emphasized that there have been no reports of anyone missing from this group.
Gambo also detailed the process these individuals go through to demonstrate their commitment to leaving Boko Haram behind.
Each person is required to take a solemn oath on the Holy Quran, promising never to return to violence.
This oath is taken in front of a committee consisting of traditional leaders, religious figures, and government representatives.
She stressed that breaking this oath is considered extremely serious because of the religious significance of swearing on the Holy Quran.
Additionally, those who go back to the terrorist group would likely face severe consequences, including possible death at the hands of their former comrades.
Furthermore, Gambo disclosed that a significant portion of the repentant insurgents were not originally active fighters but were forced to support Boko Haram, mainly through farming.
The state government, led by Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, has promised to carefully consider the demands put forward by survivors, victims, and other stakeholders for their rehabilitation and future prosperity.
Governor Zulum confirmed that the number of repentant Boko Haram members in Borno State has reached 160,000.
Despite this, he emphasized that the remaining members of Boko Haram are not as powerful as they once were, and the overall security situation in the state has greatly improved.
