-Deborah Akinyosoye
At least 13 ‘repentant’ members of the Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram) have reportedly fled with sophisticated firearms and motorcycles provided to them by the Borno State Government, a recent report by PREMIUM TIMES reveals.
These ex-terrorists, who were undergoing training by the state government to be reintegrated into society and assist in counterinsurgency operations, escaped from their military camp in Mafa, Borno State, between September 1 and 2, 2024.
According to the report, the militants, previously part of the government’s deradicalization programme, were equipped with rifles, motorcycles, and ammunition for joint operations against insurgents in the region.
After every operation, their weapons were supposed to be recovered, but this escape has raised concerns over the security risks of the reintegration process.
One of the escapees, identified as Abdullahi Ishaq, reportedly contacted a government security adviser, threatening further attacks in the state.
The group of militants later released a video, celebrating their escape while brandishing the rifles they fled with.
This incident comes on the heels of the Borno State Government’s recent announcement that it had reintegrated 8,490 former Boko Haram members into society as part of its Borno Model reintegration process.
The program, which includes military clearance and community-based reintegration, was lauded for its efforts to provide education, shelter, and employment to former militants.
State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, revealed in July that the initiative had helped reintegrate a large number of ex-insurgents, with 560 ‘low-risk’ fighters taking oaths in a public ceremony in Maiduguri.
However, security analysts have expressed concerns about the long-term success of such programmes.
This is not the first time reintegrated militants have raised alarm.
In 2021, some surrendered Boko Haram members threatened to rejoin the insurgent group, accusing the government of failing to fulfill promises of employment, education, and housing.