No fewer than 20 children formerly associated with Boko Haram have been reintegrated into communities in Borno after completing a deradicalisation programme.

The 10 girls and 10 boys, classified as low-risk minors, received livelihood support and training in business management, record-keeping, savings and business improvement to help them rebuild their lives.

Speaking during the reintegration exercise in Maiduguri on Saturday, Programme Manager with the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, Dadun Hamza, said the initiative was implemented under a project supported by the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN).

He said the minors received business materials after their training, with the Foundation set to monitor their progress and ensure they establish sustainable businesses.

The businesses include welding, shoemaking, tailoring, thread shops, food vending, condiment and soup items, fabric and shoe selling, incense making, and grinding machines.

“The ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable reintegration of the minors into their communities,” he stated.

Hamza said 20 women-headed households, identified as the most vulnerable in the areas where the children were reintegrated, also received support, bringing the total beneficiaries to 40.

“Most of the women were caring for children without male support, and supporting them will enable them to provide for their children while promoting acceptance of the returnees,” he said.

He said involving host community members was intended to promote balance and strengthen the sustainability of the reintegration process.

The Executive Director of the Foundation, Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, said the intervention was part of broader efforts by the government and stakeholders to stabilise communities affected by insurgency and support the transition of individuals who had disengaged from the insurgency back to civilian life. (Saturday Tribune)