560 repentant Boko Haram militants begin training in Borno
In a development aimed at re-integrating low-risk and minor repentant Boko Haram militants, the 8th batch consisting of 560 individuals has commenced training in Maiduguri, Borno State in North-East Nigeria.
The primary objective of the training is to equip these former militants with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful re-entry into society.
The re-integration program is scheduled to run for a duration of 6 to 9 months.
Brigadier General Abdullah Ishaq (retired), the Special Adviser on Security Affairs in Borno State, highlighted that the trainees will undergo training in various trades and skills before being returned to their communities.
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During the training, the individuals will partake in lectures conducted by professionals from academia, law enforcement, the National Orientation Agency, religious leaders, and other key sectors of society over a 2-week period.
Upon completion of the program, the participants will also receive starter packs to aid them in their transition back to their communities, which have screened and approved their participation in the training.
General Ishaq Said “This is the 8th batch, we have earlier done 1st-7th of which gave us 7,930 plus this number we have 560 that will be leaving by next week. Out of the 7,930, we have not received any negative report from anybody.”
My message has always been, as soon as they get back to the community, they should be involved in whatever activities the community is doing, be it Naming Ceremonies, Burials, Jumat prayers, they should all work together.”
Within the 3 years of the programme, so much has been achieved, in terms of people returning to farm, and the general gradual return of peace.
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
