A total of 602 repentant Boko Haram members publicly denounced their allegiance to the terrorist group and pledged loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Monday, July 13.
Having completed a de-radicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration program organized by Operation Safe Corridor, the former insurgents renounced their ties to the insurgent group at the Malam Sidi Camp in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State. Their declaration was made before an 11-man Quasi-Judicial Panel led by Justice Nehizena Afolabi of the Federal High Court, Gombe.
Maj. Gen. Bamidele Shafa, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, emphasized the significance of the repentant insurgents’ appearance before the judicial panel as a crucial step for their reintegration into society.
“The panel is for the clients to appear before it to confess their pasts and denounce their membership of Boko Haram, Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) as the case maybe and swear Oath of Allegiance to be loyal, discipline and obedient citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and then make commitment.” Shafa stated
Zuwaira Gambo, the Borno State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, explained that the state government has established a structure to oversee the continued reintegration process for the repentant sect members.
“We will provide them with psycho-social supports; continue with religious admonition in order to make them good citizens of the country. We will also give them starter packs to help them practice the skills that had been acquired in the camp here.” Gambo added
She also mentioned the successful reintegration of former sect members, highlighting a specific case where one individual earns N250,000 monthly from a barbing business and has provided employment to several youths in his salon.