FG TO REHABILITATE SURRENDERED BOKO HARAM MEMBERS

The Federal Government has said it will soon begin the process of rehabilitating and re-radicalising Boko Haram members, who have surrendered their arms and weapons in the last one week.

Coordinator of the National Information Centre Mr. Mike Omeri, who briefed reporters in Abuja yesterday, said religious leaders, the school system as well as residents of the area where the surrendered insurgents were being detained, would assist in the rehabilitation.

The military said 135 Boko Haram members surrendered their weapons in Biu, Borno State, on Tuesday, while 133 others surrendered elsewhere in the Northeast.

Omeri added that any member of the sect  apprehended without surrendering his weapons and arms would be brought to justice.

He said the armed forces on ground in the Northeast and most especially in the troubled zone had discovered a winning strategy and would not rest until peace and security were restored.

Omeri urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support to ensure that terrorism ended.

He said: “Efforts are ongoing to rehabilitate and re-radicalise the Boko Haram members, who have surrendered their arms in the last one week. Religious leaders, indigenes and the school system will be involved in the rehabilitation.

“The Federal Government has a zero tolerance for terrorism. The armed forces will remain strong, undaunted and motivated in the performance of their duties.

“Nigerians are advised to support the fight, it will not last forever and I believe it will soon end.”

On the abducted Chibok girl, Omeri said the Federal Government was working towards ensuring the eventual release and rescue of the girls.

“It is a global challenge, which Nigeria will soon overcome. The Federal Government is taking measures to rescue them,” he said.

On the issue of one of the abducted girls, who escaped from the Boko Haram custody, police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said on September 24 about 5pm, a girl was seen at Mararaba, Mubi in Adamawa State wandering. He said she was picked up and upon interrogation, it was discovered that she was one of the abducted Chibok girls, who escaped.

“She is undergoing medical treatment after which she will re-unite with her family,” Ojukwu added.