The United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres has pledged to support the disarmament, de-radicalization and reintegration (DDR) of repentant Boko Haram terrorists into Borno communities.
According to Governor Babagana Zulum, over 50,500 combatant and non-combatant terrorists have surrendered along with their families since 2021.
Guterres made the pledges Wednesday, when he visited the Governor at the Government House, Maiduguri.
The counter-terrorism operations, have recently led to the massive surrender of insurgents from Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region.
The DDR ongoing process, also attracted global attention and the UN Secretary-General, who yesterday, led a high powered delegation to the repentant terrorists and the Gubio Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri.
There are over 33,000 IDPs in the camp, displaced from 10 Local Government Areas of Gubio, Gwoza, Magumeri, Nganzai, Kaga, Marte and four others.
While commending Zulum; Guterres said; “You’ve put in place an effective and efficient mechanism of fighting the terrorists including the closure of camps and return of IDPs to communities.”
He noted that investing in the livelihoods of victims of insurgency and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram terrorists remains the only way to end the war that claimed several life and property.
His words: “I was amazed to see today in the center those that have been terrorists they want to integrate into the society.
“The repentant terrorists want to contribute to the society and the policy that have been here is a policy of reconciliation and reintegration.
“The DDR policy of Borno state; is aimed at a development perspective to allow for terrorism to be eliminated,”
He, therefore, called on the international community to support the State Government in addressing the humanitarian needs of IDPs and the returnees.
He added that humanitarian aid is not the major concern of IDPs in Borno, rather providing favourable condition to enable them return to their ancestral homes.
He noted that the return of IDPs to communities should be safe and in a dignified manner and processes.
Zulum appreciated the United Nations system for rendering live saving humanitarian and development assistance during the 13-year insurgency.
He appealed to the UN to assist in the resuscitation of the Lake Chad with strategic humanitarian support to IDPs outside Maiduguri metropolis.
He said the state government will continue to partner with the UN to ensure victims of insurgency live in dignity and productive in the society.
