Nigeria’s Borno State has devised a distinctive, humane approach to reintegrating former Boko Haram members, offering a locally grounded alternative to traditional methods. After the death of Abubakar Shekau in 2021, tens of thousands of individuals affiliated with the group began surrendering to the military in the Lake Chad Basin. By 2024, roughly 160,000 people had left the two main Boko Haram factions.
Initially, the Borno State government’s role was limited to accepting and reintegrating ex‑fighters who had completed rehabilitation through the federal Operation Safe Corridor program. As surrenders increased, the state took a more active part, introducing the “Borno Model” as its non‑military contribution to security operations. The model comprises a two‑level agreement with former militants. First, the state guarantees deserters that they will not be sent to the notorious Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks, known for harsh interrogation techniques, and allows families to remain together in camps. Second, the state has an understanding with the military: voluntary surrenderers are transferred to the state’s program, while those captured in combat are processed through Operation Safe Corridor.
Research by the Global Public Policy Institute and the Institute for Security Studies highlights both successes and challenges of the Borno Model. Its humane, voluntary nature has encouraged desertions, and its focus on local ownership enables rapid feedback and adaptation. However, the model struggles to provide sufficient economic support to deserters and to track their progress after they leave the camps.
Despite these challenges, the Borno Model offers valuable insights for disarmament and reintegration. Its emphasis on inclusivity, dignity, and community involvement lowers barriers to desertion and fosters cautious acceptance of former insurgents by local communities. To build on this progress, the Nigerian federal government should establish a national legal framework that harmonizes state‑level efforts with clear standards for screening, accountability, and post‑release monitoring. Regional and international partners can also play a crucial role by providing support to fill funding and capacity gaps, rather than imposing new models.
Comments are closed for this story.