Deradicalization of Repentant Boko Haram Militants: Institutional Dilemma Between the Victims and Villains in Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Over the years, Boko Haram has taken the centre stage in Nigeria’s security concern and discourses as it consistently stands out on news headlines. After many years of counterinsurgency, Nigeria’s government realized the imperative of adopting a soft approach alongside military offensives to winning the war against insurgency. One soft approach is the institution of deradicalisation programme. Extant literature on the inadequacies of Nigeria’s deradicalisation plans, and methodologies is yet to be considered from institutional deficiency perspective as the programme is characterized by the difficulty of balancing the treatment of repentant Boko Haram militants and ameliorating the conditions of insurgency victims. Taking a cue from selected countries, the study examines the prospects of Nigeria’s deradicalisation programme. The paper therefore concludes that Nigerian authorities progressively need to set up a well thought-out structure for successful deradicalisation and reintegration of surrendered Boko Haram militants while guaranteeing the safety of victims that would co-exist with the supposed ex-members of Boko Haram sect.