Borno reintegrates 720 repentant insurgents after rehabilitation program
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents into society after they completed a deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration program. This group, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 of the state's initiative. The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi retd., announced this on Friday at an event in Maiduguri. He stated that the exercise is a milestone in the state's non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, which began on July 5, 2021. The program has seen large-scale participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered. With this latest batch, the total number of reintegrated individuals under the program has reached 9,680, including 992 spouses and over 2,000 other individuals. The reintegration process involves initial profiling and disarmament, followed by structured rehabilitation programs such as Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and vocational training in skills like metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, and solar installation. The state government also provides starter packs to support their transition into civilian life. Community leaders, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration. The beneficiaries are from various local government areas including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Mart
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The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to improve the security and welfare of students across Nigeria. This demand was made during a nationwide Democracy Day Walk held on Friday in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Imo, Kano, and Gombe states, commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. Akinteye Babatunde, President of NANS, stated that Democracy Day offers an opportunity to reflect on democratic gains and the need to safeguard its core dividends, particularly security and citizens' welfare. He expressed concern over the continued captivity of students abducted in Oyo and Borno states, urging intensified efforts for their rescue. Akinteye also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consolidating June 12 as Nigeria鈥檚 official Democracy Day and honoring the memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes. He emphasized that Nigerian students are not passive observers and have consistently been at the forefront of social and political transformations, committing his administration to advancing their welfare and protecting their interests.
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