FG Reunites 5,000 Repentant Boko Haram Terrorists With Families [Photo]

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), operating under the Office of the National Security Advisor, has confirmed that over 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters have been successfully reunited with their families following a six-month deradicalization program.

Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, head of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) initiative, shared this development during the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Managing Boko Haram Exits and Demobilization of Armed Groups,” Abbas emphasized that a coordinated regional strategy would help governors address common security challenges in the Lake Chad region.

Under the Operation Safe Corridor program, ex-combatants underwent rehabilitation, acquired vocational skills, and were reintegrated into their communities. Abbas highlighted that none of the reintegrated individuals have returned to insurgency since completing the program.

“Our collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) across 774 local governments, along with community monitoring mechanisms involving traditional and religious leaders, has ensured ongoing support and supervision of the reintegrated individuals,” Abbas explained.

She further highlighted the success of the “Borno Model,” a state-led reintegration initiative complementing federal efforts to promote peace.

“The Borno Model has proven effective, as many former fighters have been successfully reunited with their families and are contributing positively to their communities,” Abbas noted.

Despite these achievements, she urged Lake Chad region governors and other stakeholders to harmonize their reintegration strategies to achieve a unified and sustainable approach.