Reintegration of ex-terrorists: UN backs Buhari, commends troops
• As orphans, widows of fallen heroes get relief materials
By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja
Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres, has expressed his support for the reintegration of former terrorists of the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) by the Nigerian government.
Guterres, who was in Nigeria on an official visit, said the step is right to achieve peace in the country. Adding that the UN will support creation of new facilities for effective reintegration of ex-terrorists and ex-combatant.
“The governor has told me that you need to create new facilities to be able to have effective reintegration of these ex-terrorists, ex-combatants, and I promised that we would be fully supportive of that project.
“The best thing we can do for peace is to reintegrate those who in the moment of despair became terrorists but now want to become citizens and to contribute to the well-being of their brothers and sisters,” Guterres said.
The UN Secretary General who was in Borno State to assess the North East region which has been plagued with the activities of terror groups for over a decade, also commend troops of the Operation Hadin Kai for their tireless efforts in fighting terrorists and defending Nigeria and the neighbouring countries.
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During the tour, the UN Chief was led to some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state and also one of the holding facilities for the repentant insurgents and thereafter paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Government House in Maiduguri.
In his remarks at the government house, Guterres said the mass surrendering of terrorists signifies that the troops are winning the war against terror. He also lauded the effort of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for rescuing some kidnapped victims from the terror group’s enclaves.
The Theatre Commander JTF NE Operation Hadin Kai, Major General CG Musa, who was present during the historic visit, joined His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum to bid farewell to the UN Secretary General at the airport.
Meanwhile, orphans and widows of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in the fight against terrorism in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri in Borno State have been given some relief materials by Operation Hadin Kai as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Theatre Commander Joint Taskforce (JTF) North East (NE), Major General Christopher Musa, who led the team, said while handling the relief materials to the beneficiaries, “the Nigerian Army will not forget in a hurry the selfless service and sacrifices of your loved ones and will continue to support you all where ever necessary.”
Mrs Blessing Edet, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries appreciated and extol the Theatre Commander for always supporting them. She used the opportunity to pray for the Theatre Commander and his troops to be victorious in the fight against the insurgents.
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