Reintegration of Ex-Combatants and Peacebuilding in Terrorised Communities in Northeastern Nigeria

This study examined the impact of community awareness and reception on the reintegration programme in terrorised communities in Northeastern Nigeria and how it influences peacebuilding efforts in the area. With primary focus on Maiduguri and Bama Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, the study relied on both primary and secondary methods for data collection and adopted the mixed-methods approach using qualitative and quantitative data. The study’s main priorities were to actively engage actors involved in the design, strategy, and implementation of the reintegration programme, and to ensure that the programme design and execution were contextually relevant. Integrated Peacebuilding theory guided the study, providing a lens through which to better understand the findings of numerous studies. The study identified major gaps and opportunities in strategic engagements and coordination among stakeholders. In particular, it revealed a significant problem in how ex-combatants are screened and categorized in reception centers, which has been criticized for its lack of a systematic or standardized approach. The study also identified gaps in the implementation process of the reintegration programme, such as poor hygiene conditions in the camps, the short-lived and transactional nature of the programme due to a mass wave of defections and increased demand and expectations. Additionally, there was a lack of monitoring mechanisms to assess the success and achievements of the reintegration programme, as well as a lack of coordination among various stakeholders. The study provided valuable recommendations for improving the reintegration programme, emphasizing the importance of including host communities and grassroots levels in the planning and implementation process, better coordination between federal and state governments, and the development of standardized tools for screening and categorizing repentant individuals.