Security Reports Unveil Major Happenings in Borno

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

Kanempress

18th August 2023

Amidst the persistent Boko Haram insurgency, Borno State’s Ministry of Internal Security has taken an assertive stance with its Disarmament, Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reintegration (DDDRRR) program, yielding considerable strides towards lasting peace.

Prof Usman Tar, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, in a press statement detailing the program’s successes Friday.

He said, over 100,000 individuals, encompassing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, farmers, women, and children, have been welcomed into the program.

While mentioning that within these numbers, a positive trend emerges: around 42% are previously captive farmers, while fewer than 8% were once conscripted fighters and commanders.

One of the program’s highlights is the reintegration of 6,900 minors and low-risk individuals into their communities across six batches.

Kanempress also learned that the initiative also focuses on the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in the State.

While the effort is gradually closing IDP camps and facilitating the return of refugees from neighbouring countries.

On the hand, the statement revealed that in a bid to alleviate the economic impact of fuel subsidy, the Borno State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government has provided palliatives to various settlements.

Stressing that the initiative aims to ease citizens’ hardships and is supported by N5 billion from the Federal Government.

Similarly, it underscored positive changes are palpable in urban centres, where violence and criminal activities have notably decreased.

“Collaborative efforts between the theatre command, law enforcement agencies, communities, and civil volunteers have played a pivotal role in curbing the influence of groups like the “Marlian thugs” in Maiduguri. This cooperation has significantly reduced youth-related violence and criminal activities, fostering a safer environment.” The statement concluded.