Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state and some stakeholders have expressed pleasure with the increasing number of insurgents laying down arms and surrendering to the military.

They expressed confidence over the development and called for maximum utilisation of the opportunity by the authorities and citizens for the desired lasting peace in the frontline state, which has experienced mayhem over the last 12 years.

The Governor in a broadcast described the development as an opportunity that should be harnessed, adding that it is part of  “sulhu (reconciliation) programme” organised with the support of security agencies to help those willing to surrender to do so. He also applauded the military and other security agencies for the professionalism so far shown that has continued to facilitate the programme.

On his part, the Chairman of Borno Concern Citizens Forum Hassan Zanna, described the development as a big relief to the people of Borno and called for proper documentation and the need to check their physical and mental status while they undergo deradicalisation and other procedures necessary for reintegration of those qualified into the society.

Also, the Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA in the state, Shettima Ja’afar, called for support of the initiative to succeed.