The Nigerian Army Resource Center (NARC) in collaboration with Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and office of the National Security Adviser organised a 3- Day seminar on rehabilitation of repentant insurgents in the North East with the theme ” Rehabilitation of Repentant Insurgents in Nigeria: issues challenges and sustainability” held at NARC Hall C TY Buratai Block Abuja.
During the opening ceremony of the seminar, the Chief of Army Staff who was the Special Guest of Honour noted that the workshop was part of national effort to develop visible strategy for the management of surrendered insurgents in the North East. He said that the kinetic and non-kinetic efforts of the military have led to the surrender of over 87,000 terrorists and their family in the region.
He acknowledged that the responsibility for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the repentant terrorists were far beyond the responsibilities of the military or security agencies, and therefore called on all stakeholders activities involved to be conducted simultaneously.
While giving her remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruq represented by Dr Nasir Gwarzo, Said the seminar would showcase the best practice in civil-security relationship in providing sustainable humanitarian intervention.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government commitment to sustainably support “Borno Model” in handling the mass surrender of the terrorists.
During his keynote Address, the Borno State Governor represented by his special adviser on security, Retired Brig Gen Abdullahi Ishaq said the state government had demonstrated strong will to end insurgency in the state and the North East region. noting that over 4,000 low risk repentant terrorists had been reintegrated back to their communities.
The Director General NARC Retired Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab during his welcome address stressed the need for every stakeholders and communities to agree on how the repentant could be reintegrated
The 3-Day Seminar attracted participants from the military, paramilitary and other security agencies. Representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies are also participating.
