The Borno State Government has defended its rehabilitation and reintegration programme for former insurgents, saying repentant terrorists are made to swear with the Quran as part of measures to prevent them from returning to violent activities.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, disclosed this during an interview on News Central Television monitored on Monday.

Gambo explained that the oath-taking process forms the final stage of the state’s deradicalisation model, noting that beneficiaries understand the spiritual implications attached to swearing with the holy book.

“When they come to us through all the processes of the Borno model, the last thing they do is they take an oath with the Quran. Once you swear by the Quran, you know the implication,” she said.

The commissioner also dismissed fears that rehabilitated insurgents could easily return to terrorist camps after reintegration into society.

According to her, insurgent groups often view surrendered fighters as traitors once they submit themselves to government authorities.

“People assume they may return to the bush, but they are dead on arrival. The moment you surrender to constituted authority, you become an infidel in their eyes,” she stated.

Gambo, however, identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting the smooth implementation of the rehabilitation programme.

She said the government continued to face difficulties in providing food, clothing, education and other welfare needs for the large number of beneficiaries enrolled in the initiative.

Concerns over the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme, popularly known as Operation Safe Corridor, intensified following the graduation and planned reintegration of 744 former insurgents earlier this year.

Reports indicated that 597 of the rehabilitated ex-fighters were from Borno State, while others came from Adamawa, Yobe, Kano and other parts of the country.

The programme has continued to generate mixed reactions among stakeholders, with critics questioning the level of transparency and accountability in the reintegration process, especially regarding justice for victims of insurgency.

President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, said while reintegration policies could be beneficial, victims of terrorism must not be neglected.

He warned that returning former fighters to communities without addressing the trauma suffered by victims could create the impression that perpetrators were being rewarded.

Also reacting, Amnesty International Nigeria Country Director, Isa Sanusi, called for greater transparency in the process.

Sanusi said the government should clearly disclose the identities of the rehabilitated individuals, the roles they played during the insurgency and the level of crimes committed before their reintegration into society.