Borno State multi-stakeholder summit has ended with 16-point resolutions demanding stringent profiling of all Boko Haram surrendered terrorists “to avoid hasty release of hardened elements to the larger society.”
The security agencies, the meeting resolved, must ensure that all firearms are retrieved from all repentant terrorists.
The meeting was hosted by Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri on Sunday and they extensively discussed the implications of ongoing surrender by Boko Haram terrorists and the way forward towards returning security back to the troubled State which is the epicentre of terrorism in the country.
In attendance were representatives of victims of Boko Haram violence, National and State Assembly members, all traditional rulers led by Shehu of Borno, Borno elders, heads of security agencies, Muslim and Christian leaders, members of the academic community, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, youth and women groups, the labour unions, civil society groups, local and international NGOs, Political Parties and top government officials.
They urged an intensified military onslaught against Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to dislodge them and stop their activities while asking the federal government to quickly establish a world class centre with facilities for deradicalisation and rehabilitation of repentant terrorists.
But they demanded that after the radicalisation measures, they should be “cautiously reintegrated after satisfactory rehabilitation.“
The 16-point resolutions, which was captured in a communique and signed by Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan, include the following:
1. The stakeholders appreciated the untiring efforts and support of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria towards ending Boko Haram insurgency and other criminalities in Borno State and the country at large.
2. The stakeholders commended the zeal and determination of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, FNSE, mni, Executive Governor of Borno State towards restoration of lasting peace in the State. The meeting further noted the unparalleled support rendered to the IDPs and vulnerable by His Excellency, the Executive Governor.
3. The stakeholders welcomed the effort of the Federal and State Governments in the provision of state-of-the-art equipment and other logistics to the security operatives that led to the renewed vigour in the fight against insurgents which resulted in the recent surrender.
4. The meeting urged the Federal and State Governments to handle the issues of repentant Boko Haram insurgents with utmost care and within the instrumentality of the law.
5. The meeting stressed the need for proper profiling of repentant Boko Haram insurgents to avoid hasty release of hardened elements to larger society.
6. The meeting welcomed the recent massive surrender by the Boko Haram insurgents and urged those still in the bush to follow suit.
7. The meeting called for all firearms and offensive weapons used by the repentant insurgents to be retrieved from them.
8. The meeting strongly advocated for the strengthening of the deradicalisation mechanism of Operation Safe Corridor so as to involve parents of the surrendered Boko Haram members, Ulamas, traditional/community leaders and the media.
9. The meeting urged citizens to key into the educational opportunities created by the state government, especially by enrolling their children and wards to schools as a counter measure for indoctrination.
10. The stakeholders reiterated the need for further support to all victims of insurgency especially women and children.
11. The meeting called on the Federal Government to establish a world class deradicalisation/rehabilitation centre in Borno State being the epicentre of insurgency.
12. The meeting called for a true reconciliation amongst the affected people.
13. The meeting appreciates the support of the Federal Government to the State, but solicited for more funding from the Federal Government to the State especially in areas of reconstruction, resettlement, reintegration, education and health as the meager resources at the disposal of the state is not sufficient in view of the magnitude of cost involved.
14. The meeting urged the military to sustain the ongoing offensive on the activities of ISWAP.
15. The meeting resolved to have a periodic briefing on the activities of the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists with a view to creating awareness amongst the public.
16. The meeting further resolved that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) as a matter of priority be involved in all aspects of the rehabilitation and integration of surrendered Boko Haram into mainstream society.
