Ex-jihadist fighters who “repented” have been successfully integrated into the Nigerien army after completing several months of training, military authorities announced Monday.
Niger, ruled by a military junta since a 2023 coup, continues to face deadly attacks from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin and armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in the western Tillaberi region. Dozens of fighters in the north, formerly aligned with armed groups near the ousted regime, have surrendered to authorities.
State television RTN reported that 369 former jihadists and repentant fighters—including 307 men, 21 women, and 41 children—completed training near the capital, Niamey. Many have been integrated into the national army, while others received support kits to start income-generating activities. The interior ministry said 84 individuals received kits to set up small businesses.
“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,” Tillaberi Governor Colonel Maina Boukar said.
