Boko Haram: Repentant terrorists arrive Maiduguri from Niger

- About 25 ex-Boko Haram members, including the wives and children, have reportedly returned to Nigeria from Niger

- The former terrorists allegedly laid down their arms and surrendered to the Nigerien government

- The ex-Boko Haram members were received by the Nigerian Army and handed over to the Borno state government for rehabilitation

Not fewer than 25 former members of the Boko Haram terrorists groups, including the wives and children, have reportedly arrived Nigeria after surrendering to troops in Niger Republic.

The former terrorists arrived at Maiduguri airport in Borno state in a military aircraft in the company of soldiers led by Major General Bamidele Shafa, the coordinator of the federal government's Safe Corridor programme, Premium Times reports.

He said the Nigerian government was contacted to bring the ex-Boko Haram members home after they laid down arms and surrendered to the Nigerien government.

The army officer explained that the repentant terrorists have been handed over to the Borno state government for rehabilitation and de-radicalization.

Shafa called on other terrorists to surrender to the Nigerian government and embrace peace.

The Borno state commissioner of women affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, received the returnees from the Nigerian Army.

Gambo said the Borno state government will provide them with social support, feed and train them before reuniting them with their families.

Meanwhile, the senator who sponsored the Boko Haram de-radicalization bill, Ibrahim Gaidam, has said the intent of the bill is to ensure that repentant terrorists are rehabilitated in the best possible way so that they become useful members of the society.

Gaidam told journalists at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday, February 24, that the bill would promote reconciliation and national unity by de-radicalizing, rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant insurgents.

Also on the insurgency, despite several wins against Boko Haram and its faction group, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai, has declared that the war against the terrorists can't be won by military might alone.

Buratai on Tuesday, February 25, in Lagos, stated that this is a result of a series of indoctrination that has been carried out in the north for more than two decades.

The army chief also said that only 25% of the war falls within the ambit of the military.

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigerians would in the coming weeks witness an aggressive campaign to rout Boko Haram once and for all.

The Nigerian president made the statement on Sunday, February 23, when condemning the recent Boko Haram attack on Garkida, Adamawa state.

Buhari who also extended his sympathy to families of victims assured citizens that no part of Nigeria would be abandoned to their fate.

Also, the Nigerian Senate is seeking the re-establishment of a military base at the Sambisa forest borders as part of its suggestions to end insurgency in the northeast.

The Senate took the decision while a motion moved by Senator Aishatu Ahmed who represents Adamawa Central senatorial district in the red chambers was being debated.

The resolution was then unanimously adopted following the debate on last weekend’s Boko Haram attack on Garkida a town in Adamawa state.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service!

Can Nigerian Soldiers really not deal with Boko Haram fighters?| Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng