Minimizing the conditions that allow terrorism to flourish in Northeast Nigeria.

WHY USAID/OTI IS IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is one of the U.S. Government’s most strategic allies in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the successful democratic transition of power in 2015, Nigeria still struggles with insecurity caused by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (BH/ISWA). An escalated military offensive by Nigerian and regional security forces helped the government reclaim areas previously held by BH/ISWA and provided an opportunity for communities to transition back to their homes. The insurgency is far from over, however, as BH/ISWA have increased attacks in Nigeria and neighboring countries in the Lake Chad Basin. To effectively defeat BH/ISWA, military operations must be coupled with efforts to address the underlying drivers of violent extremism.

USAID/OTI’S ROLE IN NIGERIA

USAID/OTI launched the Nigeria Regional Transition Initiative (NRTI) to minimize the conditions that allow terrorism to flourish, in turn reducing BH/ISWA recruitment and support for their ideology. Through small-scale, strategically targeted assistance to local partners, NRTI is:

• Engaging vulnerable youth;

• Battling violent extremist narratives and addressing economic drivers of extremism;

• Building a stronger sense of community and repairing social fabric;

• Promoting confidence in local and national government responsiveness; and

• Supporting reintegration efforts of former BH/ISIS-WA affiliates as a component of the government’s Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration process.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• USAID/OTI launched Dandal Kura, the first shortwave radio program broadcast in Kanuri, the primary language used by those claiming an affiliation with BH/ISWA and spoken by 10 million people in the Lake Chad Basin. Dandal Kura has a broad and loyal listenership and is building a sense of identity and belonging among an otherwise discounted population.

• USAID/OTI empowered 100 youth activists from five West African nations at the first Regional Youth Summit on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) in Maiduguri. Participants created country-specific CVE action plans, initiated follow-up meetings in additional countries and built a network of peers fighting a common enemy across the region.