Nigeria, May 12 -- The Borno State Government has defended its use of a religious oath sworn on the Quran as a major deterrent against recidivism by former Boko Haram members reintegrated into society after deradicalisation.

The position comes amid continued public criticism of the federal government's De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

Zuwaira Gambo, Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said beneficiaries undergo screening and rehabilitation processes before taking the final oath on the Quran.

"Once you swear by the Quran, you know the implication," Ms Gambo said in an interview with Newscentral television aired on Monday. She added that any return...