Nigeria: The Borno Model for Ending Jihadism

Jihane
Jihane
2 Min Read
JIHADISM

In Nigeria, the Hajj camp brings together former jihadists or their ex-hostages. The camp looks like a camp for displaced persons.

These former jihadists were part of either the Boko Haram or Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) groups.

These people came to these camps because the government convinced them that they would be released.

This action is aimed at ending the terrorism that has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than two million people since 2009.

The government reacted swiftly, seizing the opportunity of the death in May 2021 of Boko Haram’s historic leader, Abubakar Shekau, by dropping leaflets from helicopters over the forests, the jihadists’ hideouts.

Borno State, for example, promised jihadists and their families to take care of them in a camp in Maiduguri some months before they were released.

This Borno model has paid off and attracted international donors such as the EU, the UK, and the US. In fact, since 2021, more than 90,000 people affiliated with jihadist groups have surrendered, in most cases through Hajj or similar camps.

In addition, former jihadists are disassociated from non-combatants by conducting a process of identification and assessment of all individuals. This process also involves community leaders and vigilante groups (CJTFs).

Jihan Rmili

Share this Article
Leave a comment