A repentant female Boko Haram member, Fatima Musa, has expressed deep regret over destroying her National Certificate in Education (NCE) after undergoing deradicalisation and being resettled in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno. Speaking during a community dialogue focused on understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, Musa revealed that many insurgents, including herself, were misled into extremism at a young age.
Musa highlighted the importance of guidance she received from clerics after her deradicalisation, stating that it helped her gain a proper understanding of Islam, emphasizing peace and tolerance. “I regret tearing my NCE certificate apart, thinking that Western education was forbidden. Now, I wish to reach out to my father, who is in a neighboring country, to seek his forgiveness for my past actions,” she said.
Another participant, identified as Bintu, appealed for forgiveness from the Mafa community and called for support for the deradicalisation foundation to aid more individuals still affected by the conflict. Bintu pointed out the challenges faced by repentant individuals, including stigma and harassment, which can push them back to extremism.
“If we continue to label them as doomed, they might feel their only option is to return to their previous lives. Many repentants struggle to reintegrate and need encouragement to build positive futures,” Bintu asserted.
Residents of Mafa echoed this sentiment, urging the government to enhance deradicalisation and resettlement efforts through empowerment programs. Babagana Butu, leader of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Mafa, confirmed that some former insurgents are now working alongside community members, participating in patrols and agricultural initiatives as part of their reintegration.
“We need the government’s support in empowering these individuals so they can sustain themselves and contribute positively to society,” Butu added.
The dialogue also featured a presentation on Islamic teachings related to peace and reconciliation by a noted consultant and peace mediator.
