Nigeria: Former jihadists seek new lives after vocational training in Borno State
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Ibrahim Mohammed, 32, was among approximately 720 former jihadist fighters who recently completed a state government rehabilitation program in Maiduguri, Borno State. This initiative is part of non-military efforts to counter the insurgency that began with the Boko Haram uprising in 2009, which has displaced over 3 million people and killed tens of thousands. Mohammed decided to surrender after receiving a video message from his mother. Participants, including women and children, spent months at a camp learning vocational skills such as car repairs and tailoring. Since its inception in 2021, the program has trained at least 9,680 individuals, according to Sabi Abdullahi Ishaq, security adviser to the Borno state governor. Some former fighters, like Mustapha Kaka, 36, stated they were misled and that the violence had little to do with genuine religious preaching. Idris Abdulkadir, 44, a former fighter with ISWAP, expressed regret over his lost educational opportunities. While the program offers a chance for former fighters to rebuild their lives, some critics, like Adebayo, note potential flaws, such as the risk of granting blanket amnesty to individuals who committed atrocities.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, has cautioned opposition politicians against politicizing a recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area. Oyelade clarified that Governor Seyi Makinde's disclosure of approximately 200 Amotekun Corps personnel deaths since its 2020 inception was distorted by opposition elements. He stated that these deaths resulted from various causes, including illness, natural causes, and security operations, not solely from the Oriire incident. The Commissioner emphasized that Amotekun did not lose any operatives in the Oriire kidnapping, with only one personnel sustaining injuries and currently recovering. Oyelade highlighted that the Amotekun Corps in Oyo State is well-funded and equipped, operating 181 vehicles, 450 motorcycles, and employing over 2,500 personnel, making it the largest and best-remunerated Amotekun formation in the South-West. He also noted Governor Makinde's consistent calls since 2021 for state police and better-equipped security forces to combat bandits and kidnappers. Oyelade urged residents to support the state government and security agencies in maintaining peace and security.
The Shehu Gabam-led Social Democratic Party SDP paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, on Democracy Day. In a statement issued by its factional National Publicity Secretary, Zakari Nadabo, the party called for credible elections and stronger democratic institutions in Nigeria. Nadabo highlighted June 12's significance to both Nigeria and the SDP, as Abiola won the 1993 election under the party's banner. He also honored pro-democracy activists, civil society groups, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians who contributed to restoring democratic governance. The SDP emphasized that Democracy Day should be a time for national reflection and recommitment to democratic values, urging Nigerians and political leaders to embrace principles like justice, inclusion, accountability, transparency, national unity, and respect for the will of the people, which inspired the June 12 struggle. The party reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic values, national development, social justice, and the welfare of all Nigerians, and encouraged active and peaceful participation in the democratic process, while urging leaders to prioritize national interest.
Yaya Tongo, the representative for Kwami/Funakaye/Gombe Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, has passed away. Tongo, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023 and later defected to the African Democratic Congress in March 2026, died on Friday, June 12, 2026. Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, announced the news on his verified X handle. Pantami stated that he had visited Tongo earlier that day at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, where the lawmaker was receiving treatment. He described Tongo's condition as critical during his visit and later received news of his passing at the same hospital. Pantami offered prayers for the deceased and his family, noting the spiritual significance of passing away on a Friday. As of the report's filing, the House of Representatives had not yet released an official statement regarding Tongo's death.