Deradicalisation Policies of the Nigerian Government

Résumé fourni par la source

This chapter analyses the deradicalisation programme introduced by the Nigerian government as part of Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), which is managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser. As part of OSC, the chapter examines the fact that rehabilitation centres have been established in two locations in Northeastern Nigeria where repentant Boko Haram members are screened, registered, received and rehabilitated for social reintegration. The chapter reports on the surrender of thousands of Boko Haram members and how they were mobilised to the rehabilitation camps. However, several challenges are noted, including the failure of policy makers to prioritise religious scholars in the design of the programme, the short duration of training and the outdated skills taught to registered camp members and the inability of the programme to take into account compensation for victims of violence in host communities. The chapter reports that reintegrated ex-combatants are not welcomed by members of host communities and that some ex-combatants, frustrated at being neglected after reintegration, gradually return to offences such as substance abuse, verbal and physical assault and a potential risk of recidivism.