Conceptualising de-radicalisation and former combatant re-integration in Nigeria. Issue 11 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clubb, Gordon; Tapley, Marina
• Is Part Of: Third world quarterly. Volume 39:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: 2053
• Page End: 2068
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: De-radicalization -- Boko Haram -- DDR -- ex-combatants -- radical milieu -- countering violent extremism; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 909.09724
• DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2018.1458303
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-6597

Abstract

Abstract: Nigeria has recently joined the many states which have established de-radicalisation programmes. The article engages with debates on how the success of de-radicalisation can be ascertained given the substantial flaws of using individual-oriented recidivism rates as a measure. Many studies on de-radicalisation emphasise the need to consider the programme's context to facilitate success, yet 'context' has been under-conceptualised and approached statically. The paper provides greater agency to 'the context' in distinguishing between the type of milieus former combatants are re-integrated into and how these emergent social relations shape the scope of de-radicalisation programmes, beyond the traditional over-emphasis on programme participant outcomes as measures of success. The Nigerian de-radicalisation programme has a broader function insofar as it provides former combatants with 'scripts' of disengagement and function as a brand, signalling to communities that former combatants have repented and are 'better citizens, imbued with genuine nationalism' that resonate with local communities.