The Special Adviser on Security to the Sokoto State Governor, Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd.), has called on the state government and local stakeholders to increase efforts in supporting the reintegration of 390 repentant Boko Haram members into society.

Usman made the appeal on Thursday in Sokoto during an interview with journalists, where he discussed the ongoing security developments in northern Nigeria.

He emphasised that the Nigerian military, through the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor, had fulfilled its role by preparing the ex-combatants for civilian life.

“These individuals have undergone extensive psychological counseling, vocational training, and civic education,” Usman stated. “They are no longer a threat to society. However, their successful reintegration now depends on the willingness of communities to accept them.”

The 390 former insurgents—classified under Special Batch 6/2024 and Sulhu Batch 7/2024—have been handed over to their respective state governments after completing the DRR programme.

“They have been trained in various trades, including carpentry, tailoring, welding, agriculture, and shoemaking,” Usman added.

The security adviser stressed that reintegration is a collective responsibility, requiring the active involvement of state institutions, local authorities, community leaders, and civil society organisations.

“Peace cannot be achieved through force alone. We must adopt inclusive strategies that foster trust, rebuild livelihoods, and give these individuals a second chance,” he said.

Usman further advocated for the implementation of sustainable reintegration plans that include community sensitisation and economic empowerment initiatives.

These efforts, he argued, are crucial in preventing recidivism and ensuring long-term peace.

Launched in 2016, the DRR programme represents the Nigerian military’s non-kinetic approach to combating insurgency by encouraging defections and providing a pathway for repentant fighters to return to civilian life.

Usman’s appeal comes at a critical time, as northern Nigeria continues to face the aftermath of insurgency and the complex task of restoring normalcy and social cohesion.


https://punchng.com/sokoto-security-adviser-urges-reintegration-of-390-ex-terrorists/