The Borno Homegrown Model, a community-driven initiative implemented by the Borno State government in Nigeria, has proven effective in countering violent extremism and weakening Boko Haram ideology. According to Retired Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, the model combines disarmament, demobilisation, and de-radicalisation with strong community-driven counter-narratives.
Speaking at the National Summit on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Abuja, Ishaq explained that the model uses Islamic scholars, mothers, and repentant fighters to counter Boko Haram’s ideology. He noted that many fighters were misled by ideology and that the use of community-driven counter-narratives has been successful in convincing them to reconsider their path. For example, testimonies from repentant fighters have exposed the futility of Boko Haram’s cause, with some describing the decomposition of dead fighters’ bodies as a punishment from God.
The Borno Homegrown Model has led to the surrender of over 300,000 individuals, including combatants, non-combatants, and their families, since its introduction in 2021. Most of those who have surrendered have been reintegrated into farming and small businesses after vocational training. Ishaq dismissed concerns about returnees going back to the bush, stating that once they surrender, they are made to swear on the Holy Qur’an never to return.
However, Ishaq acknowledged that some leaders are still holding out due to the “war economy” and foreign interests. He urged communities to continue supporting security forces with information, warning that intelligence leaks only endanger civilians. The use of mothers and families remains a powerful tool in compelling hardened fighters to abandon terrorism, with some mothers telling their sons to return home before the end of Ramadan or face the consequences.
The Borno Homegrown Model has been successful in addressing the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency in Nigeria. The initiative’s use of dialogue and media campaigns to persuade militants to lay down their arms has been effective in reducing the number of fighters. As the model continues to yield positive results, it is likely to be used as a template for other initiatives aimed at countering violent extremism in the region.
