A repentant Boko Haram member, Fatima Musa, who has undergone deradicalisation and is now resettled in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, has expressed deep regret over shredding her National Certificate in Education (NCE) certificate. Musa revealed her remorse during a community dialogue organized by the Allamin Foundation with support from the British Government under UKaid.
During the dialogue in Maiduguri, Musa, alongside other deradicalised individuals, discussed how they were led astray by distorted religious interpretations. She expressed regret for her past actions, including the destruction of her NCE certificate, and voiced her desire to seek forgiveness from her father, who now lives in a neighboring country.
Another deradicalised woman, Bintu, also spoke at the event, pleading for forgiveness from the community and urging support for the foundation’s efforts to reach more individuals affected by the conflict. She highlighted the difficulties faced by repentants, including stigma and harassment, which sometimes drive them back to insurgent groups.
Mafa residents, including Babagana Butu, leader of the Civilian Joint Task Force, called for increased government support for the deradicalisation and resettlement processes, including empowerment programs to assist former insurgents in reintegrating into society.
Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, Executive Director of the Allamin Foundation, stated that the dialogue aimed to address issues related to the reintegration process and the challenges faced by repentants. The event also featured a lecture on Islamic principles of peace and reconciliation by Sheikh Ali Mustapha.