Abstract
This thesis examines the lived experiences and perceptions of security actors involved in the Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme for former Boko Haram combatants in Nigeria. Using a qualitative methodology, it provides insight into participants' firsthand accounts. Boko Haram is a violent extremist group responsible for mass killings, bombings, abductions, and large-scale displacement, instilling terror across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Existing literature on the lived experiences of actors in DRR is scarce, particularly regarding security forces, who are pivotal in combating the insurgency. Prior research has predominantly focused on policy, combatants, and victim-focused narratives, often overlooking the perspectives of those implementing the programme.To address this gap, the study employs interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to investigate how security actors participating in the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) programme perceive and experience their involvement in this pivotal and highly sensitive initiative. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the Mallam Sidi DRR camp in Gombe State with a purposively selected sample of eight security personnel actively engaged in OPSC and the fight against Boko Haram. Data analysis, guided by IPA’s theoretical foundations in phenomenology, hermeneutics, and idiography, identified five overarching themes: ‘Emotional impact and wellbeing,’ ‘Psychological wellbeing,’ ‘Motivation and commitment,’ ‘Betrayal and scepticism/operational challenges,’ and ‘Hope and redemption.’
The findings highlight a spectrum of challenges and transformations experienced by participants across emotional, psychological, and operational dimensions. It uncovers the experiences of these actors, most of whom have direct histories with the violent actions of Boko Haram and critically explores how these experiences shape their interactions with ex-combatants. Furthermore, the study reveals that while the military's involvement in DRR is crucial, it often carries a dual burden: rehabilitating former combatants while managing their own psychological struggles with trauma, secondary trauma, and moral complexities in reintegration efforts.
By focusing on the perspectives of security actors, the study critically assesses the DRR programme. It argues that while the programme’s goals are ambitious, reintegration is complicated by challenges that remain largely unexplored. The study’s original contribution lies in shedding light on these overlooked experiences, offering a fresh perspective that challenges the notion of a purely technical DRR framework. This research deepens understanding of the impact on, and challenges of security actors, and calls for rethinking DRR policies, emphasizing the need for targeted psychological support and policy adjustments that account for the well-being and perspectives of frontline security personnel.
| Date of Award | 3 Dec 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Danny Singh (Supervisor), Tarela Ike (Supervisor) & Anth Lloyd (Supervisor) |