Nearly 10,000 former members of Boko Haram have successfully reintegrated into society in Nigeria’s Borno State, according to local authorities. This milestone comes as part of a government-backed program aimed at encouraging defections from insurgent groups through rehabilitation and deradicalization efforts.

The announcement was made during a graduation ceremony in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital, where 720 ex-combatants received certificates from state officials. With this latest batch, the total number of reintegrated former fighters now stands at 9,680, as confirmed by Borno State authorities.

The reintegration initiative is a key component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to weaken jihadist factions operating around Lake Chad. By offering former insurgents a path to civilian life, authorities hope to further reduce the influence and operational capacity of these groups.

During the ceremony, attendees witnessed hundreds of ex-combatants gathered at the rehabilitation center. Participants took an oath before being officially released from the program, marking their transition from armed conflict to community participation.

Boko Haram’s insurgency, now in its second decade, has left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions across Nigeria and neighboring regions. While military operations have significantly degraded the group’s strength, armed factions continue sporadic attacks in parts of the Lake Chad Basin.

State officials emphasized that rehabilitation and reintegration programs remain vital to ending the conflict and fostering long-term stability in affected communities. The initiative reflects a dual approach—combining security measures with social recovery—to address the root causes of extremism.