The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Counter-Radicalization in Nigeria: The Case of Boko Haram

This article examines the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in counter-radicalization Nigeria, with emphasis on Boko Haram terrorist group operating northeast Nigeria and greater Lake Chad region. A qualitative methodological approach is employed that makes use primary secondary documents, key informant stakeholder interviews, focus discussions critical religious actors organizations. The findings suggest FBOs play a disengagement deradicalization process countering ideological radical messages Haram. However, challenges such as lack effective involvement various initiatives by state counterterrorism, fear reprisal attacks, unison clerics these negative messages, inability relevant stakeholders addressing structural factors poverty, social economic exclusion, unemployment give rise to radicalization amongst other challenges, have impeded effectiveness FBO sector its efforts Nigeria. To address proposes bottom-up counterterrorism provides room for multi-sectoral major stakeholders, especially FBOs, complement pre-existing measures counter weaponization religion rogue clerics, also prevent from expanding frontiers.