By Daniel Edu

The Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, has emphasized that not all individuals associated with Boko Haram can be classified as insurgents.

In her statement, she pointed out that out of a group of 100,000 individuals who have expressed repentance, only approximately 5,000 can be categorized as actual insurgents. The remainder of this group primarily consists of farmers, women, children, and other victims who have been held by the insurgents.

Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo made these remarks during a presentation titled “Borno Model” at an event commemorating the 2023 International Day of Peace in Maiduguri. The event was organized by the NGO Peace Ambassador for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE).

She clarified that the government is not releasing insurgents into civilian communities, contrary to public apprehension. Instead, they are releasing individuals who were victims held by the actual Boko Haram insurgents.

She stated, “Contrary to fears by the public that 100,000 were insurgents, only about 5,000 are actual fighters. Most of the others are farmers, women, and children held hostage by the insurgents.”

Furthermore, she emphasized, “We do not release the insurgents. We have records of the whereabouts of any person released.”

Commissioner Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo stressed that individuals seeking reintegration into the community must undergo three weeks of intensive training on human rights, facilitated by security and religious leaders. Additionally, their return must be endorsed by their respective communities.

She appealed for the support of the international community to aid the government in achieving lasting peace in the state.