The Borno State Government has reintegrated a total of 720 repentant insurgents who have completed their deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme back into society.

The latest batch, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 under the state’s rehabilitation initiative and was sworn in using the Holy Quran before being released to return to their respective communities across the state.

The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), disclosed this on Friday at an event held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri to mark the completion of their rehabilitation process.

He said the exercise represents another milestone in the state’s non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, describing it as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally.

Abdullahi said the initiative, which began on July 5, 2021, under Governor Babagana Zulum, has recorded large-scale participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered.

He said, “It has been a success story since 5th July 2021 when the good people of Borno State, under the stewardship of our dynamic leader, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, agreed to forgive and accept their sons who are willing to drop arms and embrace peace.

“Today, the Borno model is adjudged to be one of the most effective non-kinetic programmes in the history of mankind, with over 350,000 persons who willingly exited the bush and surrendered to the military.”

He added that with the latest 720 beneficiaries, the total number of reintegrated persons under the programme has risen to 9,680 across batches 1 to 9.

He, however, said the reintegration exercise also included 992 spouses and 2,050 children associated with the former insurgents.

He explained that the reintegration process began when repentant insurgents voluntarily exited the bush and reported to military locations, where initial profiling and disarmament were carried out.

He noted that participants were engaged in structured rehabilitation programmes, including Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and various vocational training sessions.

“The camps’ administrators kept them busy with various programmes geared towards deradicalisation and preparing them for life after camp.

“Tuesdays and Thursdays were for Islamic programmes, lectures on hygiene, drug abuse and other fields, while Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were for skill acquisition programmes such as metal works, carpentry, tailoring, pot making, brick laying, barbing, cap making, repair of phones, solar installation, vulcanising and repairs of motorcycles,” he said.

Abdullahi said the state government also provided starter packs to support the reintegration of the beneficiaries into civilian life.

He said community leaders, alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration.

“They are from Bama LGA, Kondugua LGA, MMC, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Marte, Mongunu, Kukawa, Gbambolu Ngala, Kalabarge and Gubio,” he added.

He urged the beneficiaries to return to their communities as law-abiding citizens and contribute positively to peace and development efforts.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, represented by Permanent Secretary Babagana Kadai, described the programme as a symbol of hope, reconciliation and resilience.

She commended Governor Zulum for what she described as his visionary leadership in peacebuilding, noting that the administration has continued to resettle displaced families and rebuild communities affected by insurgency.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday provided a fresh update on efforts to rescue the schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, saying the abductees are still within the Old Oyo National Park.

Makinde, in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, said the victims remain the focus of ongoing security operations.

The governor noted that it has been 27 days since the students and teachers were forcibly taken from their schools, leaving their families and communities in distress and uncertainty.

Scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School, Esiele, in the local government, on Friday, May 15, 2026.

He acknowledged the pain and anxiety being experienced by the affected families, stating that although he had repeatedly assured residents that the victims would be rescued and reunited with their loved ones, he understood that such assurances might offer little comfort as the days continue to pass.

Makinde maintained that the state government and security agencies have not relented in their efforts, stressing that, “Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.

“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation.”

The governor therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, assuring the public that all credible reports would receive prompt attention.

He also cautioned against the circulation of unverified information regarding the abduction, warning that, “Misinformation can compromise ongoing rescue efforts and hinder security operations.”

Makinde implored residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts intensify to secure their safe return.

The Senate on Thursday called on security agencies to urgently intensify surveillance and enforcement actions against bandits and terrorists who openly showcase their criminal activities and financial proceeds on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, amid growing concerns over the brazenness of criminal networks operating online.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, on the rising wave of bandit attacks and terrorist incursions in Kogi West and other parts of the country, as lawmakers again confronted the widening security crisis across multiple regions.

During deliberations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, introduced an additional prayer calling for coordinated action by the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to track, monitor and arrest individuals who use social media platforms to publicise criminal operations.

Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed alarm that armed groups were no longer operating covertly but were instead leveraging digital platforms to project influence, flaunt ill-got wealth and, in some cases, carry out public “giveaways” believed to be funded through criminal activity.

She said, “Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100m within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok.”

The senator questioned why such overt digital footprints had not translated into arrests by relevant security agencies, particularly units mandated to track cyber-enabled crimes.

“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she stated.

The additional prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial District and received broad support across party lines, reflecting growing legislative concern over the intersection of insecurity and unchecked digital exposure by criminal elements.

Responding to the development, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio described the conduct of the suspects as a direct affront to state authority and a troubling display of impunity.

“The Department of State Services should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.

He warned that the open circulation of videos showing cash displays and criminal activities on social media platforms amounted to a deliberate attempt to ridicule government institutions and undermine public confidence in the country’s security architecture.

“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging the government,” he added.

The Senate President urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the matter as an urgent national security priority, calling for improved coordination and real-time response to online intelligence.

“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge. Whenever anybody finds such content, bring it to the attention of the Senate, and we shall invite the relevant federal authorities to explain why those people have not been apprehended,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for accountability mechanisms that would ensure the public is informed once arrests are made and prosecutions commenced.

“If they are apprehended, they should also report back so that Nigerians can know that those who openly show their faces while committing crimes are being arrested and prosecuted,” the Senate President stated.

There was renewed optimism in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism on Wednesday following reports that a joint military operation conducted by Nigerian security forces and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has resulted in the elimination of more than 200 ISIS-linked terrorists operating in the country’s troubled northeast region.