Ex-jihadists who have chosen to renounce violence are now successfully integrated into the Nigerien army following several months of rigorous training, military officials announced recently. This initiative comes amid ongoing challenges for Niger’s junta, which has been in power for two years following a coup and has struggled to combat escalating jihadist violence across the country.
Niger faces persistent threats from groups such as Boko Haram operating in the Lake Chad basin, as well as factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in the western Tillaberi region. In the northern areas, where the military has been engaged in combat against armed groups loyal to the ousted regime, a number of fighters have surrendered to authorities in recent months.
On Monday, a total of 369 individuals, consisting of 307 men, 21 women, and 41 children, completed their training near the capital city of Niamey. The interior ministry confirmed that these individuals had been undergoing training since the end of 2024. A statement from state television RTN highlighted the integration of many of these former combatants into the national military ranks, as well as providing support kits for others to engage in income-generating activities.
According to the interior ministry, 84 individuals received kits designed to help them establish businesses as part of their reintegration process. Colonel Maina Boukar, the Governor of Tillaberi, noted the importance of viewing these individuals in a different light. “These men, who were once misguided but have now chosen to renounce violence and reconcile with the Republic, should no longer be regarded as enemies,” he emphasized.
The integration of former jihadists reflects a broader strategy aimed at addressing the complex security challenges in Niger, where the lines between combatants and civilians have become increasingly blurred. Local authorities are optimistic that fostering opportunities for these individuals will contribute to long-term stability in the region.
