Prof. Tar
The Borno State Government has reacted to the trending story of the escape of six repentant insurgents.
The State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar in a statement in Maiduguri on Thursday, said government was fully aware of the incident involving the escapees processed under the Borno Model of Reconciliation, Peacebuilding and Development, adding that the government remains committed in collaborating with the relevant agencies to track and arrest them.
“These Repentant returnees are part of a cohort of over 20,000 militants that were recently documented, processed, profiled and categorized as ‘low risk’ in terms of their mental state, vulnerability to violent extremism, propensity for psychotropic substance abuse and probability of relapse to violence.
“These repentant insurgents escaped unarmed and are being tracked down. Regarding the rumours that they escaped with government arms, preliminary investigation reveals that this was not true.
“Terrorists and other violent non-state actors have historically acquired weapons from various subterranean sources, which they use in their propaganda videos. Therefore, seeing weapons in such videos does not imply they belong to the government.
“It is important to note that the six are a very small and insignificant number when compared to the over 20,000 repentant individuals who were successfully processed and domiciled in the exit programme.
“The Borno State Government wishes to warn the public and stakeholders that we should be careful not to give in to terrorists’ propaganda by demoralising our gallant troops and law-abiding citizens, as any amplification of this unfortunate situation may likely embolden the terrorists and undermine the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
“Citizens should be rest assured that all that is being done to ensure peace in Borno State. We urge citizens and stakeholders to continue to support the government’s efforts in that regard.
“The Government is committed to restoring peace and security across the state,” the statement added.
