Borno State officials are sending a stark message to former insurgents who've gone through rehabilitation programmes. Return to terror groups, they warn, and death awaits.
Zuwaira Gambo, the state's Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, made the warning during a media interview on Monday. She was discussing the sensitive matter of reintegrating ex-fighters into society.
According to her, surrendered fighters face a grim fate if they attempt to rejoin armed groups. "They may try to go back to the bush, but they are dead on arrival," she told journalists.
Once someone leaves an insurgent outfit and surrenders to government authorities, they're cast out by their former comrades. Gambo explained that terrorist organisations don't welcome deserters back into their ranks.
She noted it isn't about trust or official certification from the state. "The law of the jungle handles it," she said.
"The moment you surrender to constituted authority, you become an infidel in their eyes."
Borno's deradicalisation programme includes an oath-taking ceremony using the Quran, Gambo disclosed. She stressed this religious undertaking deters beneficiaries from returning to violence.
"Once you swear by the Quran, you understand what that means," the commissioner added.
However, Gambo acknowledged serious funding gaps in the rehabilitation effort. Feeding, clothing, and educating rehabilitated fighters stretches resources thin, she explained.
