Former jihadist fighters integrated into Niger Republic army

Former jihadists who renounced violence have officially joined the Nigerien army after completing several months of reintegration training, the country’s military authorities announced on Monday, October 13.

Niger’s ruling junta, which seized power two years ago in a coup, has faced ongoing challenges in combating militant violence from groups linked to Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State, particularly in the Lake Chad basin and the western Tillaberi region.

According to state television RTN, a total of 369 former fighters, including 307 men, 21 women, and 41 children, completed training near the capital, Niamey, after being in rehabilitation programs since late 2024.

The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that many of the former fighters have now been formally integrated into the national army, while others received support kits to help them start income-generating businesses.

“A good number of them have been integrated to serve under the national flag,” RTN reported, adding that 84 participants were given materials to help establish small enterprises.

Authorities said the initiative represents part of a broader national reconciliation and reintegration effort aimed at stabilizing communities long affected by extremist violence.

Tillaberi Governor, Colonel Maina Boukar, urged citizens to accept the reintegrated fighters as part of the peace process.

“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 said.

The move marks a major step in Niger’s strategy to combat extremism not only through military force but also through rehabilitation and social reintegration, signaling a continued effort by the junta to restore stability and promote national unity amid persistent security challenges.