Peacebuilding Efforts Among Displaced Persons in Maiduguri IDP Camps: An Assessment

This study assesses the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts targeting internally displaced persons residing in camps in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, North East Nigeria. The Boko Haram insurgency has generated one of the largest IDP crises in sub-Saharan Africa, with millions of persons displaced across the Lake Chad Basin. IDP camps, while providing temporary refuge, are frequently characterised by inter-group tensions, resource competition, and psychological distress that necessitate dedicated peacebuilding interventions. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 200 IDP camp residents across three major camps in Maiduguri Municipal Council, complemented by qualitative interviews with camp managers and humanitarian workers. The theoretical basis draws from the human security framework and Lederach's peacebuilding model. Findings indicate that psychosocial support programs, inter-group storytelling workshops, and skills acquisition initiatives are among the more effective interventions in reducing tension and promoting social cohesion within camp settings. However, chronic underfunding, overcrowding, and the absence of durable solutions pathways remain major barriers to sustainable peace outcomes. The study recommends integrating conflict-sensitive programming into all IDP camp management protocols, increasing government funding for psychosocial services, and establishing IDP-inclusive peace committees that provide residents with agency in managing intra-camp disputes. Keywords: internally displaced persons, peacebuilding, Maiduguri, Borno State, IDP camps.