Borno’s Soft Approach Yielding Results in Anti-Terror War, Says Security Adviser
By Chidi Omeje
The Special Adviser on Security to the Borno State Governor, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Isaq (rtd), on Friday conducted journalists round the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, where repentant Boko Haram insurgents and their family members are being sheltered and rehabilitated under the Borno State Government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme popularly known as the “Borno Model.”
The initiative, which has attracted both commendation and criticism across the country, is regarded as one of the most ambitious non-kinetic counter-insurgency strategies introduced in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
Speaking during the tour, Brig Gen Isaq described the Borno Model as a comprehensive approach launched in 2021 by the Borno State Government to complement ongoing military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
According to him, the programme focuses on dialogue, rehabilitation, reconciliation and reintegration of repentant insurgents, rather than relying solely on military force.
He disclosed that the initiative has so far facilitated the surrender of more than 300,000 individuals, including fighters, non-combatants and captives, who passed through various reception and rehabilitation centres before being prepared for reintegration into society.
“The essence of the Borno Model is to provide a win-win situation for communities affected by insurgency while also encouraging those trapped in the terrorist fold to surrender and embrace peace,” he said.
Brig Gen Isaq explained that the programme also addresses the humanitarian dimension of the conflict by supporting the voluntary return and reintegration of internally displaced persons, while promoting reconciliation between former insurgents and host communities.
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He noted that the non-kinetic initiative operates alongside the ongoing military campaign of Operation Hadin Kai, which continues to provide security cover and intelligence support in the counter-insurgency effort.
The retired military officer said the initiative has significantly weakened the operational capability of terrorist groups through mass defections and has also drawn international attention, including interest from the United Nations as a possible model for addressing similar humanitarian crises elsewhere.
According to him, the programme has contributed to the reduction of violence in several parts of Borno State, although he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly regarding the reintegration of former fighters into communities devastated by years of insurgency.
He identified concerns over possible re-engagement in terrorism, community resentment, and the need for sustained funding and monitoring as some of the critical issues confronting the programme.
Brig Gen Isaq also stressed the important role mothers and families can play in discouraging youths from joining terrorist groups.
He cited the example of a recent returnee, Hussein Abubakar, whose mother reportedly issued him a seven-day ultimatum to leave the forest and return home. According to him, the young man surrendered on the sixth day and was admitted into the rehabilitation camp.
“If mothers deliberately engage their children and wards who have joined Boko Haram and persuade them to abandon the group, it will greatly support ongoing efforts to end insurgency in the North-East,” he stated.
The security adviser further revealed that many rank-and-file Boko Haram fighters currently in the forests are exhausted by the conflict and willing to surrender, especially after seeing how repentant insurgents are being treated and rehabilitated by the government.
He, however, noted that senior terrorist commanders, who benefit from links with international terrorist networks, continue to prevent foot soldiers from defecting.
According to him, any attempt by fighters to escape from the insurgents’ camps often attracts instant execution by the terrorist leadership.
Brig Gen Isaq appealed to the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders to provide greater support for the rehabilitation camp, particularly in the area of vocational training and skills acquisition programmes aimed at preparing the repentant fighters for productive reintegration into society.