Borno state in northeastern Nigeriahas long been plagued by Islamist insurgencies.
DW spoke with a former Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander who is frustrated with the Nigerian government’s failed reintegration promises. After accepting an amnesty deal two years ago, the commander, "Ali," said he and others who surrendered are now considering rejoining the militant group due to a lack of food, jobs and support.
His warning comes amid a resurgence of violence in the region, including a deadly suicide bombing near Maiduguri in June that killed at least 12 people.
Many Maiduguri residents are grieving family members who died in attacks. Survivors including Modu Ummate, who lost a leg to a roadside bomb, have criticized the military for becoming complacent during a period of relative calm. However, the Nigerian military is stretched thin across multiple conflict zones across the country.
Borno state's commissioner for information and security, Usman Tar, said the reintegration program "is working" but also acknowledged the program's shortcomings, emphasizing the need to balance support for former insurgents with justice for victims.
Experts warn that without addressing the root causes of extremism — poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity — the cycle of violence will continue.
(This video summary was created using AI. A journalist edited it before publication.)