Developing a Counter-Violent Extremism De-Radicalisation Programme Framework for North East Nigeria

Counter-violent extremism programming in North East Nigeria requires professional frameworks that address the psychological, ideological, and socioeconomic dimensions of radicalisation without replicating the doctrinal weaknesses of earlier deradicalisation programmes that produced insufficient rehabilitation outcomes. This study developed a counter-violent extremism de-radicalisation programme framework for Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, drawing on evaluations of the Operation Safe Corridor programme and comparative deradicalisation models from Indonesia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. A professional programme development methodology was employed, incorporating structured interviews with 15 de-radicalisation practitioners, 8 religious scholars, 6 psychologists with CVE experience, and review of 22 programme evaluation reports. The framework developed encompasses four components: psychological assessment and trauma-informed counselling, religious counter-narrative education tailored to Boko Haram ideological arguments, vocational skills training and economic reintegration, and community acceptance and monitoring engagement. Key innovations over existing programmes include mandatory victim-community reconciliation components, tiered release protocols based on validated behavioural indicators, and a monitoring framework extending 24 months post-release. Expert review by ten CVE specialists confirmed the framework's conceptual grounding and operational feasibility. The study recommends pilot implementation through the DSS-managed Operation Safe Corridor and integration with UNODC counter-terrorism programming in Nigeria, with quarterly evaluation cycles to enable adaptive management.

Keywords: de-radicalisation, violent extremism, North East Nigeria, CVE programme, Operation Safe Corridor