This report begins by examining Nigeria’s recent conflict trends and interrogating the drivers of conflict, both globally and in Nigeria. It then goes on to look at the different narratives and approaches in relation to counter-terrorism (CT) and preventing violent extremism (PVE) at the international level, and within Nigerian government institutions. It reflects on initial efforts that have been primarily militarised and state-centred, and characterised by toxic masculinity. It can be argued that these approaches have often been counterproductive in the course of efforts made to mitigate the fundamentalism of Boko Haram as it ravages North East Nigeria and the Sahel in general. It then examines the successes and challenges of the Borno Mass Exit Model, which represents a departure from the traditional approach to CT and PVE, and concludes with a forward-looking perspective for more sustainable victim-centred and gender-sensitive approaches to PVE.

Authors: Cheryl Hendricks, Amanda Lucey, Ayuba Caleb and Manpaa Aliyu Musa
Pages: 36
Dimensions: A4
Date of publication: 2023