Borno warns that former insurgents who rejoin terrorist groups risk death.

The Borno State Government cautioned that rehabilitated former insurgents face a death risk if they rejoin terrorist groups, stating that such groups will no longer accept them.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Zuwaira Gambo issued the warning in an interview with News Central on Monday, addressing concerns about the reintegration of former fighters.

She said, “People assume that they will go back to the bush; well, they may, but they are dead on arrival.”

Gambo explained that once a combatant surrenders and completes the government’s rehabilitation process, insurgent groups view them as outsiders.

“It is not even about whether they have been certified or we trust them or not. The law of the jungle takes care of that. The moment you step out and surrender to the constituted authority, you become an infidel,” she said.

The state’s deradicalisation programme includes an oath‑taking ceremony using the Quran, which Gambo said carries serious consequences and deters participants from returning to violence.

“Once you swear by the Quran, you know the implication,” she added.

She acknowledged that funding remains a major challenge for the programme: “You bring many people in, but how do you feed them, clothe them, and provide education? Funding is a big issue.”