After series of training, vocational skills acquisition, and rehabilitation courses, 95 former Boko Haram terrorists are set to be reintegrated into the Nigerian society.
The repentant terrorists were trained by the Nigerian Army wing charged with the responsibility of Deracialising, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) in Gombe State.
They were rehabilitated by instructors from departments and agencies of the Federal Government and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) with the aim of retraining them to become law abiding citizens.
During the training, the ex-terrorists were engaged in therapy and activities including psychotherapy, psycho spiritual counseling to neutralize, adverse effects of drug addiction among several others.
The commandant of the camp, Colonel Adegoke Adetuyi, during the graduation ceremony of the repentant terrorists on Saturday said they were also empowered with vocational skills. “An essential element of DRR program is training of the ex-combatants by instructors from National Directorate of Employment (NDE). They went through a number of vocations including barbing, shoe making/leather works and cosmetology which comprise of making of body creams, perfumes and liquid soap among others.
“They were enthusiastic about the skill acquisition program and are looking forward to practicing their trades after discharge from the camp. They are to further their training with NDE in their states of residence in order to enhance smooth reintegration,” he said.
The Gombe State governor, Hassan Dankwambo, on his part assured that all the governors of the north east will assist in re-integrating them into the society.
He also called on the people to patronize them in their chosen careers and appreciated the security operatives and the facilitators for contributing to the success of the programme.
The coordinator of Operation Safe Heaven (OPSC), Major General Bamidele Shafa, said they had earlier facilitated the rehabilitation of 750 men, women and children who were released to their various state governments.
