Over 600 Repentant Boko Haram Fighters To Reintegrate Into Communities In July- DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has said a total of 603 repentant Boko Haram fighters are set to be reintegrated into their communities in July, after completing their Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche made the disclosure during a media briefing on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday.

Enenche said that it has successfully reintegrated 280 former Boko Haram terrorists, including 2 Chadians, back into the society through their respective national and state authorities.

He stated that operation safe corridor, established in 2016, has admitted a total of 893 ex Boko Haram fighters.

“The Operation is a success story as feedbacks from those reintegrated are positive,” said the defence spokesperson.

“A particular one in Bama who learnt barbing as a vocation has successfully empowered four locals and is happily married with children.”

Enenche further explained the process of the DRR program which is aimed at giving hope to ex-combatant Boko Haram members who willingly give up their arms to embrace peace.

“Deradicalization is the first stage of the programme after medical screening covering taking DNA samples, psychotherapy, psycho-spiritual counseling, drug abuse intervention, art therapy, sports/recreation and introduction to western education,” he said.

“The rehabilitation package of the programme include; training in barbing, carpentry, cosmetology, farming, leatherworks, shoe making, tailoring and welding. They will be issued with starter packs (basic tools) and provided with take off funds.

“Reintegration aspect of the DRR programme is the most delicate and longest phase that lasts beyond the camp. It entails transitional justice initiative involving family linkage with the assistance of IOM and UNICEF among others.

“Administration of Oath of Allegiance is also conducted. The panel is headed by a judge of the Federal High Court with members drawn from relevant agencies.”

The defence media spokesman clarified that the DRR program is not a process of assembling raw repentant ex-combatants to inject back into the society by the Military. “Rather, it is an international best practice for conflict management backed by relevant laws with the concurrence of key stakeholders such as international organizations and MDAs among others”.