The Borno Homegrown Model is a community‑driven initiative launched by the Borno State government in Nigeria to counter violent extremism and weaken Boko Haram’s ideology. Retired Brigadier‑General Abdullahi Ishaq, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, explained at the National Summit on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Abuja that the model blends disarmament, demobilisation, and de‑radicalisation with strong, locally sourced counter‑narratives. Islamic scholars, mothers, and repentant fighters are employed to challenge Boko Haram’s message, highlighting that many combatants were misled by extremist ideology.
Testimonies from former fighters have underscored the futility of Boko Haram’s cause; some describe the decomposition of dead combatants’ bodies as a divine punishment. Since its introduction in 2021, the Borno Homegrown Model has facilitated the surrender of more than 300,000 individuals—including combatants, non‑combatants, and their families. Most surrenderees have been reintegrated into farming and small‑business activities after receiving vocational training. Ishaq dismissed concerns that returnees might rejoin the insurgency, noting that they are required to swear on the Holy Qur’an never to return to the bush. He did acknowledge that some leaders remain resistant due to the “war economy” and foreign interests.
Ishaq urged communities to keep supporting security forces with reliable information, warning that intelligence leaks endanger civilians. The involvement of mothers and families continues to be a powerful tool in persuading hardened fighters to abandon terrorism; some mothers have told their sons to return home before the end of Ramadan or face consequences. Overall, the Borno Homegrown Model has proven effective in addressing the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency, using dialogue and media campaigns to persuade militants to lay down their arms. Its ongoing success suggests it could serve as a template for other initiatives aimed at countering violent extremism in the region.
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