Nigeria’s Borno State has developed a unique approach to managing the reintegration of former Boko Haram members, offering a more humane and locally grounded alternative to traditional methods. Following 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 area. By 2024, approximately 160,000 people had left the two main Boko Haram factions.
Initially, the Borno State government’s involvement was limited to accepting and reintegrating ex-fighters who had undergone rehabilitation through the federal government’s Operation Safe Corridor program. However, as the number of surrenders increased, the state became more actively involved, introducing the “Borno Model” as its non-military contribution to security operations.
The Borno Model involves a two-level agreement with those who have left Boko Haram. First, the state government assures deserters that they will not be taken to the notorious Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks, known for its harsh interrogation techniques. Additionally, families are allowed to stay together in camps for deserters. Second, the state has reached an understanding with the military that those surrendering voluntarily will be transferred to the state’s program, while Operation Safe Corridor will process those captured in combat.
Research by the Global Public Policy Institute and the Institute for Security Studies has highlighted the successes and challenges of the Borno Model. The approach’s humane and voluntary character has been instrumental in encouraging desertions, and its focus on local ownership and dynamics has allowed for quicker feedback loops and adaptation. However, the model faces challenges in providing sufficient economic support to deserters and in tracking their progress after leaving the camps.
Despite these challenges, the Borno Model offers valuable insights into overcoming the difficulties of disarmament and reintegration. Its emphasis on inclusivity, dignity, and community involvement has helped to lower the barriers to desertion and promote a more cautious acceptance of former insurgents by local communities. To build on this progress, the Nigerian federal government should create 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.
