UN Backs Reintegration Of Boko Haram Terrorists As Good To End Terrorism

By Ayodele Oni

The United Nations (UN),  Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, now on an official visit to Nigeria, has promised to support the reintegration process for repentant Boko Haram fighters into the society.

A Radio Nigeria report monitored in Akure, Ondo State, stated that the Secretary-General made the promise when he paid a courtesy visit to Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.

The war against Boko Haram insurgency had in the last one year assumed a different dimension with the mass surrender of fighters and members of their family.

Report indicate that so far more than 50,000 Combatant and non-combatants have surrendered to authorities in Borno state and are currently undergoing rehabilitation.

This has attracted global attention and the UN Secretary-General is personally leading a delegation to assess the situation.

Mr Antonio Guterres  commended Borno state government for putting in place the right mechanism to fighting terrorism.

According to him, investing in livelihood of victims of insurgency and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram fighters remain the greatest way of ending the crisis.

“I was amazed to see today in a center those that have been terrorists they want to integrate into the society, want to contribute to the society and the policy that have been here is a policy of reconciliation, the policy of reintegration, is a policy aiming at a development perspective to allow for terrorism to be eliminated.”

The UN Secretary-General called on the international community to support Borno state in addressing the humanitarian needs of internally displaced persons and returnees.

He noted that humanitarian aid was not the major concern of IDPs in Borno, rather provision of favourable condition to enable them return back to the ancestral homes in safety and dignity.

Governor  Zulum appreciated the United Nations system for rendering live saving humanitarian and development assistance during the twelve years of insurgency.

He appealed the United Nations to assist in resuscitation of the Lake Chad and strategic humanitarian support to IDPs outside Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum assured that his administration would continue to partner with the United Nations to ensure victims of insurgency live in dignity and be productive members of the society.

The UN Chief scribe and members of his delegation had earlier visited Gubio road IDP camp and one of the holding facility for the repentant insurgents.