Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, said there was currently a challenge of lack of space to accommodate members of the Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and their families who have been surrendering to Nigerian Army troops in the State.
On Monday, the Nigerian Army said that because of its sustained operations in the Northeast region, over 60,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their families have surrendered in the last one year.
Governor Zulum, who spoke while inaugurating a committee on the repatriation of Borno citizens living in Chad, Niger and Cameroon on Monday at the Government House, Maiduguri, noted that all the three camps provided for repentant Boko Haram members and their families had been filled to capacity.
The committee chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, would also manage repentant insurgents, particularly how they are to come out of the bush, their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
He added that proper handling of the task would lead to the increased surrender of remnants of the insurgents and bring peace to Borno for the needed development.
According to Governor Zulum, the Federal Government had constituted a similar committee on the repatriation of victims of insurgency taking refuge in neighbouring countries.
He said his government had discussed with Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, on the need to have bigger camps.
While reiterating the commitment of the state to fund the activities of the committee, Zulum said it should also look for another source of funding from public and private organisations.
Zulum explained that a few months ago, the State secured 15 million Euros as support from Germany and was being managed by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Co-chairman, Mr Kaka Shehu, who thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them, assured the government and people of Borno of their commitment to delivering.
Shehu said the committee would work in close synergy with its Federal Government counterpart for maximum results.