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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Nigeria’s ex-terrorists seek new lives after vocational training

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Around 720 former jihadist fighters in Nigeria's Borno State have completed a rehabilitation program, receiving vocational training.
  • Participants swore an oath not to rejoin extremist groups, with some having held leadership roles within Boko Haram and ISWAP.
  • The program aims to reintegrate former fighters into society as self-reliant and productive citizens, with over 9,680 participants trained since 2021.

In Nigeria's northeastern Borno State, a significant step has been taken toward peace with the rehabilitation and reintegration of former jihadist fighters. Approximately 720 individuals who once belonged to groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have completed a state government-backed rehabilitation program.

I received a video message from my mother. She pleaded with me to leave the group, lay down my arms, and return home.

— Ibrahim MohammedA former fighter explaining the personal motivation that led him to surrender.

The ceremony marked the end of months of training at a camp in Maiduguri, the state capital. Dressed in white T-shirts, the former fighters, including ex-commanders, took an oath on the Koran to renounce violence and never rejoin jihadist organizations. Ibrahim Mohammed, 32, shared that a video message from his mother, pleading for him to return home, was a turning point that led him to surrender after years in the forest.

Because he rejected the movement and its mission, I gave permission for him to be killed.

— Bulama MukhtarA former commander recounting a severe act of violence within the group.

Officials stated the program aims to make participants self-reliant and productive members of society. Since its inception in 2021, over 9,680 individuals have undergone training in vocational skills such as car repairs and tailoring. Sabi Abdullahi Ishaq, security adviser to the Borno state governor, highlighted the program's role in countering the insurgency through non-military efforts.

I realised that the violence and suffering inflicted on innocent people had nothing to do with genuine religious preaching.

— Mustapha KakaA former fighter reflecting on the disconnect between the group's actions and religious principles.

Some former fighters expressed that they were misled and that the violence had little to do with genuine religion. Mustapha Kaka, 36, a former assistant commander, realized the inflicted suffering was not aligned with Islamic preaching. Idris Abdulkadir, 44, who fought with ISWAP, lamented missing educational opportunities while living in the bush, which prevented him from becoming a respected Islamic scholar. The program offers these individuals a chance to rebuild their lives.

Because I joined Boko Haram, I was left behind while my mates continued their education and became respected Islamic scholars.

— Idris AbdulkadirA former fighter expressing regret over lost educational opportunities due to his involvement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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