Retired Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Security, says attacks by insurgents in many parts of the state has been reduced by 90 per cent.
Ishaq said the reduction was based on the non-kinetic approach introduced by the Zulum administration known as “Borno Model”, which led to mass surrender of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
He made the revelation in his presentation, titled “The Impact of Borno Model in the Fight against Terrorists in Borno”, at a public lecture organised by University of Maiduguri.
“The Borno Model simply means the use of dialogue to persuade Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters to lay down their arms to troops at the various reception centers and embrace peace.
“This is a community driven initiative geared towards a win-win situation; both parties stand to gain from the model,” Ishaq said.
He explained that the Borno model started about two years ago and had led to the surrender of over 100,000 insurgents, including farmers, women and children under their captivity.
“Some Chibok girls were also rescued within the period.”
According to him, since the program started, attacks on troops and abduction of travelers in many areas, particularly along the Maiduguri – Damaturu and the Maiduguri – Monguno roads, has reduced drastically, while many farmers now have access to their farmlands.
Ishaq said the Borno model has continued to gain international recognition leading to recent signing of Memorandum of Understanding for United Nations support in managing the mass defection.
“It has gain international recognition as one of the most effective non-kinetic action in recent times.
“Recently, Gov. Zulum was in UN House, Abuja, to sign a joint memorandum of understanding for UN support in managing the mass defection of terrorists,” Ishaq said.
According to him, the model, which aligned with UN Framework on handling of persons exiting terrorist organisation, was tailored towards Disarmament, Demobilization, De-radicalization, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation and Reintegration (DDDRRR).
He said that so far 6,900 low risks repentant and minors have been reintegrated into their communities after undergoing the necessary processes of DDDRRR.
Ishaq said the reintegration was successful as it was community driven.
“There’s no case of rejection of any person from communities because the process is community driven.
“Community representatives participate in screening and recommending those to be reintegrated back to their communities.
“The communities also transport them,” Ishaq said.
He noted that the military and DSS were always at hand to ensure that those reintegrated were not in the list of those declared wanted by authorities.
The Recovery and Peace Building Assessment Report (RPBA) co-authored by World Bank and other stakeholders on the insurgency indicated thousands of lives lost and six billion dollars worth of destruction recorded in Borno.
