Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed concerns that some of the over 500,000 repentant terrorists might return to terrorism. Speaking on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Zulum acknowledged the possibility of a small fraction reverting to their old ways, despite the majority showing positive change.

Nigeria initiated the reintegration of repentant terrorists in 2016 through Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), aiming to rehabilitate low-risk Boko Haram members who voluntarily surrendered. This initiative has faced public criticism, with concerns raised about potential returns to terrorism. However, Zulum maintains that over 99% of the repentant terrorists are demonstrating good behavior and abstaining from further involvement in terrorist activities.

Recent events have highlighted the ongoing security challenges. In December 2024, Zulum reported a 90% reduction in insurgency within the state. Nevertheless, recent terrorist attacks in areas like Marte have displaced over 20,000 residents, four years after their resettlement.

Borno State, along with Nigeria as a whole, is grappling with significant insecurity, including the use of advanced tactics like drones by terrorists. Zulum emphasized the necessity of non-kinetic measures, alongside military action, to combat terrorism effectively. These non-kinetic strategies encompass social, political, and economic dimensions. He affirmed that the ongoing non-kinetic measures, supported by the Nigerian military, have produced favorable outcomes.