Repentant Boko Haram fighters escape with Gov’t rifles, motorcycles in Borno

Thirteen former Boko Haram fighters have reportedly fled their reintegration camp in Borno State, escaping with rifles and motorcycles provided by the government.

According to a report by Premium Times, these ex-combatants were part of a larger group of surrendered Boko Haram fighters who had joined the government’s deradicalization program and were enlisted to assist the military in combating insurgents.

The escape took place between the 1st and 2nd of September, with eight fighters fleeing on the first day, followed by five more the next day.

Malik Samuel, a researcher knowledgeable about jihadi groups in northeastern Nigeria, confirmed that these individuals, previously stationed with military operatives in Mafa, took advantage of the opportunity to flee.

The escapees reportedly contacted Abdullahi Ishaq, a special adviser on security matters to the state government, threatening further violence.

In a video released after their escape, the former fighters were seen brandishing their rifles in a show of defiance.

The Borno State government has yet to issue an official response to this alarming development.

Concerns are growing as these former insurgents appear to be returning to their previous violent ways, raising questions about the effectiveness of the deradicalization and reintegration programs.