The Borno State Government has defended its rehabilitation and reintegration programme for repentant terrorists, dismissing public concerns that some beneficiaries may return to violent extremism after completing the process.

The state government insisted that strict procedures, including an oath-taking ceremony involving the Quran, are designed to discourage participants from relapsing into terrorism.

Quran Oath as Final Stage of Rehabilitation

Speaking in an interview with News Central TV, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, explained that the deradicalisation programme follows a structured “Borno Model” aimed at reintegrating former fighters into society.

According to her, the final stage of the process involves taking a solemn oath using the Quran.

“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,” she said. “Once you swear by the Quran, you know the implication.”

She added that the oath is intended to serve as a strong moral and spiritual deterrent against returning to armed groups.

Claims of Risks and ‘Jungle Law’ Consequences

Gambo also argued that individuals who return to insurgent groups after surrendering face dangers from those same groups, suggesting that the consequences act as an additional deterrent.

She said those who leave rehabilitation centres and attempt to rejoin armed groups are often not welcomed back by their former associates.

“The moment you step out, and you surrender to the constituted authority, you become an infidel,” she said, referring to extremist ideology.

Funding Challenges Affect Programme Implementation

Despite defending the programme’s structure, the commissioner acknowledged that funding remains a major obstacle affecting the smooth implementation of rehabilitation efforts.

She noted that providing food, clothing, education, and basic welfare support for large numbers of participants continues to stretch government resources.

“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, clothe them and provide access to education,” she explained.

Public Debate Over Reintegration Programme

The comments come amid renewed national debate over the reintegration of 744 former insurgents under the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative.

Of the beneficiaries, 597 were reportedly from Borno State, while others came from Adamawa, Yobe, Kano, and other parts of the country.

The programme has raised concerns among civil society groups, legal experts, and human rights organisations over transparency, accountability, and justice for victims of terrorism.

President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, warned that reintegrating offenders without adequately addressing victims’ suffering could undermine public trust in the justice system.

Similarly, Amnesty International Nigeria Country Director, Isa Sanusi, called for greater transparency, insisting that the identities and roles of rehabilitated individuals should be made clearer to affected communities.

He emphasised that while international standards support rehabilitation, Nigeria must ensure accountability and openness in its implementation process.

The debate continues as authorities defend the programme as part of broader efforts to weaken insurgency and promote long-term peace in the northeast.