Sincere Rehabilitation Key to Reintegrating Former terrorists in Nigeria, Survey Finds
A new survey of Nigerians reveals that teh perceived sincerity of rehabilitation efforts is a crucial factor in determining whether former terrorists can successfully reintegrate into society, alongside the severity of their crimes and the circumstances surrounding their initial recruitment.
The findings, reported in October 2025 by Amélie Godefroidt, a senior researcher at the Catholic Research University in Leuven, Belgium, come as the Nigerian government grapples with the challenge of reintegrating thousands of former fighters who have surrendered following two decades of conflict with the terrorist group Boko Haram and, more recently, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
First,the circumstances of a fighter’s initial involvement significantly influence public acceptance. Individuals were more willing to accept the reintegration of those who were forcibly recruited or joined as children, compared to those who joined voluntarily, particularly if motivated by ideological convictions. “Young fighters had little guidance or knowledge of what trouble they were going into,” one respondent explained.
Second, demonstrable efforts toward reconciliation are paramount. Former fighters who voluntarily left terrorist groups and actively participated in reconciliation efforts, including cooperating with authorities, garnered strong public support.
the nature of the crimes committed plays a critical role. As one participant stated, “The only precondition is that they have never taken a life. No killer deserves to be free,let alone get amnesty.”
In northeastern Nigeria, concerns are growing as reports emerge of former Boko Haram and ISWAP members returning to their communities without completing formal rehabilitation programs like Operation Safe Corridor, the country’s official process for surrendering terrorists. Approximately 50,000 individuals have reportedly surrendered through this program.
Ahmad Salkida, founder of the Nigeria-based news agency HumAngle, highlighted the diverse reasons driving fighters to leave terrorist organizations. These range from “hunger and starvation” resulting from regional government pressure and blockades to “constant leadership feuds and gaps” within Boko Haram and ISWAP, rendering continued fighting “a pointless exercise.”
Nigeria’s Borno State has emerged as a leader in reintegration efforts with its “Borno Model.” This program prioritizes dialog to encourage fighters to surrender their weapons at designated amnesty centers and commit to peaceful lives. Participants undergo psychological and religious counseling, vocational training, and reorientation programs, with some reintegrating into communities and others transferred to federal authorities. The Pulitzer Center notes that this framework aims to provide “a structured pathway for former combatants and associates to transition from a life of violence and extremism to one of productivity and social acceptance.” The Borno government allocated 7.46 billion Naira – over $5 million – to reintegration efforts in its 2025 budget,according to the Nigerian Foundation for Investigative Journalism.
However, a growing number of Nigerians express concern that former Boko Haram members are bypassing official programs and directly reintegrating into local communities. residents have reported instances of recidivism, resistance to authority, and “sudden emotional outbursts” among those who have undergone reformation. “We see them every day, joining us in the market and trying to blend in,” one villager shared. “Some of us are scared. We don’t know if they are genuinely repentant. We need clarity. Who are these people, and why didn’t they go through the program like others? The government must address this for our peace of mind.”
Ardo Musa, a herder who lost livestock in a Boko Haram attack in the Konduga community of Borno, emphasized the need for improved dialogue from authorities. “The authorities must engage us, listen to our concerns, and involve us in the process,” he said.
The Nigerian survey concluded that successful rehabilitation programs require clear conditions, a link between reintegration and reconciliatory behavior, and consistent communication with citizens regarding the progress of former terrorists. Reconciliation, the survey stressed, must be “made visible.”
Ultimately, Godefroidt argues, “Preparing societies for the return of ex-fighters is as important as preparing the fighters themselves.” Without broad community buy-in,reintegration efforts risk exacerbating existing divisions rather than fostering healing.
