Nigeria continues to face profound challenges posed by terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts, most notably, as a result of the activities of terrorist organization Boko Haram and its affiliates in the North East. This conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, prolonged internal displacement, cross-border movements, substantial economic losses, and increased risks of multidimensional poverty for affected communities.
Starting in mid-2021, North East Nigeria has witnessed a large-scale exit of individuals associated with Boko Haram. As of January 2023, the Borno State Government reported that over 93,000 individuals have voluntarily exited areas controlled by Boko Haram and turned themselves over to authorities in Borno State. These individuals consist of fighters and their families, famers and their families and others classified by the authorities as “minors, GBV victims, widows, unaccompanied and separated children”.
To respond to the mass exits, the Borno State Government has created a ‘Borno Model for the Management of the Mass Surrender Situation’, a state-led program managing the caseload of those who have exited areas controlled by terrorist groups.
Given the large number of individuals leaving conflict-affected areas, the diversity of Federal and State entities involved and the role of local actors, coordinated and integrated support is crucial for continuous and coherent reintegration, reconciliation, and transitional justice processes. These processes will serve as the foundation for peacebuilding and development in Borno State.
Against this backdrop, the consortium comprising of UNDP, IOM, UNICEF and UNODC is collaboratively implementing a two-year (2023 – 2025) - “Project to strengthen reconciliation and reintegration pathways for persons associated with non-state armed groups, and communities of reintegration, including women and children, in Northeast of Nigeria”, funded by the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
The project supports the coordinated interventions of the Federal and Borno State Governments at the policy and political level for reconciliation and reintegration pathways in Borno State communities. Its overarching goal is to facilitate long-term reconciliation and reintegration for persons associated with terrorist groups and affected communities in Borno State. As part of this initiative, UNODC will be conducting a study on community perceptions of returning former Boko Haram associates in collaboration with a local partner.