Urban violence which engulfed Maiduguri and environs has reduced drastically, says information and internal security commissioner Usman Tar.

Mr Tar disclosed this on Sunday while giving an update on the security situation in Borno.

”Activities of gang groups prompted Governor Babagana Zulum to order a security clampdown on criminal elements in the state. These kinds of urban violence and criminality have subsided significantly,” said Mr Tar. “In Maiduguri, the so-called ‘Marlian thugs’  are being curtailed through concerted surveillance, apprehension and prosecution of suspects.”

The commissioner said a synergy between the theatre command, law enforcement agencies, communities and civil volunteers (civilian JTF) decimated the threats of “youths bulge, associated violence and criminality.”

On the mass surrender of insurgents, Mr Tar said the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rahabilitation, Reconciliation and Reintegration (DDDRRR) programme of the surrendered insurgents was on course.

He said the programme was designed to provide a “root and branch” approach to ending the Boko Haram insurgency.

“Under the DDDRRR programme, the Borno Government has so far received over 100,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, farmers, women and children. Out of this figure over 50 per cent  are women and children, about 42 per cent are captive farmers,  less than eight per cent are conscripted fighters and commanders,” Mr Tar said.

According to him, government has since inception of the programme, reintegrated 6,900 minors and low risk to their communities in six batches.

While commenting on closure of IDP camps and relocation of IDPs and refugees to thier recovered areas, Mr Tar said many had been successfully resettled in northern and central parts of the state.

“Resettlement of IDPs to remote locations is being implemented in the longer term, subject to reconstruction of houses and improvement of security on the ground,” Mr Tar disclosed.

(NAN)