TheCable

Abdulwahab Usman, one of the repentant Boko Haram fighters, says he did not expect the care he got from the federal government. 

Usman, who hails from Bama in Borno state, is one of the 602 ex-Boko Haram members who completed a de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DRR) programme in July.

The military had in 2016 launched Operation Safe Corridor, an initiative for the deradicalisation and rehabilitation of ex-Boko Haram members.

Usman, according to PUNCH, said he can’t remember the number of people he had killed as they were many, and despite this, the government spared them upon surrendering. 

“None of us was killed during the de-radicalisation process. I really enjoyed my stay in the camp because many of us were not expecting such hospitality from the Nigerian government. We were well taken care of,” he said.  

“They taught us different trades. In the camp, we were exposed to skill acquisition such as welding, barbing and carpentry etc. But I chose to learn barbing. When I return to my hometown, I wish to continue with barbing. I will not go back to Boko Haram.

“We were given the Quran because of our assurance that we would become good citizens. I will not return to that group (Boko Haram) no matter the suffering since the government has chosen to be responsive.

“I was forced into the group for about five years.  I can’t remember the number of people I killed as a Boko Haram member because they are many. Boko Haram people came to our village looking for those who are of school age and that was how my friends and me were forced into the group. Eventually, we escaped from Boko Haram hideout, so soldiers took us to Giwa barracks in Borno.” 

The ex-Boko Haram fighter also urged the government to extend its assurances to the other insurgents who are willing to surrender. 

“The Nigerian government should present them a document assuring them of their safety once they surrender,” he said. 

He added that the 602 of them had surrendered because they saw the document promising them rehabilitation. 

There has been an outrage over the government’s decision to reintegrate the repentant fighters back into society.  

Borno residents who spoke with TheCable had said the government should instead keep them in government houses. 

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, had also kicked against the idea saying the insurgents will never repent.