On Wednesday, 30th September, 2015, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters instituted a national committee to sort out the process for the smooth reintegration of penitent Boko Haram fighters into the society as part of government’s plan to end terrorism in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Group Captain Wap Maigida, it said that the Boko Haram members noted down for reintegration are those forcefully recruited into the group and those who have surrendered and given up their membership. He stated that the successes recorded against the Boko Haram insurgents in the battle field has moved a large number of the terrorists to want to surrender their arms and embrace peace. He added that as of this moment, about 315 Boko Haram members have surrendered and are being detained at camps to ensure that they submit to state control.
Concerning the national committee for smooth reintegration of penitent Boko Haram fighters, he said that the members comprise of relevant federal government agencies involved in the counter-insurgency operation and others who are representative of states in the northern region of Nigeria. The committee terms of reference will include identifying implementation partners and establishing their responsibilities, establishing a framework for coordination of implementation agencies and determining funding requirements and sources. It includes also identifying technical assistance needs and possible sources, outlining broad information strategies in collaboration with implementation agencies and determining the location of assembly areas, encampment sites, internally displaced peoples (IDP) camps as well as safe corridors and routes.
In addition, the committee will determine the overall security requirements and concerns in the counter-insurgency operation. It will also tackle the creation of mobile offices, access roads, feeding and medical treatment for the IDPs, skill and vocational training for IDPs, joint media centres and the establishment of necessary structures and receptive centres to resettle penitent terrorists.
