The Borno State Government has announced that more than 6,900 individuals suspected of being affiliated with Boko Haram are currently in custody and will undergo transitional justice proceedings.
During a best practice dissemination and learning program organized by the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development in Maiduguri, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, shared this information.
Since the mass surrender began in 2021, a total of 200,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families have surrendered to the state government.
Zuwaira highlighted that close to 9,000 individuals have successfully reintegrated into society, marking a significant achievement for the reintegration program.
“Around 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families have surrendered, with 6,900 confirmed as genuine fighters in our custody. They will undergo transitional justice for their crimes as they are verified fighters,” she declared.
Transitional justice comprises various responses such as restitution, reconciliation, prosecution, and amnesty, aimed at addressing severe atrocities and breaking the cycle of violent conflict.
Hamsatu Allamin, the Executive Director of the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, mentioned that the surrendered individuals expressed regret for their involvement with Boko Haram.
They acknowledged being deceived by the group and urged using religion to counter the extremist narrative that led to their recruitment.
Under the project ‘Building Bridges of Reconciliation: A Community-Based Approach to Deradicalisation of Women and Girls in Borno State,’ more than 800 deradicalised women have been empowered to contribute positively to society.
Embracing a new life free from violence, they are now active members in peacebuilding efforts and are enhancing the development of their communities,” she concluded.