North East Regional Initiative: A Lasting Legacy

NERI supported the renovation and furnishing of the Borno State Police Command to facilitate its presence and improve civilian protection. Frequently targeted by insurgents, the Jakana police station is strategically located on the highway connecting Maiduguri and Damaturu.

All these reinforcements — coupled with improved access to cellular networks and other civilian and police communication tools — bolstered community early warning systems, allowing security forces to foil more suspected raids and attacks, keeping citizens safer. Fewer attacks, as well as the visible evidence of improved security, lead to greater trust of security forces and a greater sense of safety and well- being among residents. With funding from USAID and the United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office, NERI supported the Nigeria Police Force so they could do their job on the front lines more effectively, improving community perceptions. The program also supplied tents for temporary police housing in Borno State, built barracks in Damasak and Monguno, and refurbished the police command in Maiduguri. After the conclusion of the program, residents who participated in activities reported having a more favorable view of security forces, seeing them as more effective and approachable than before. These activities work to unite all those who oppose violent extremists, shoring up resiliency and laying the groundwork for a safer future.

To improve military interactions with vulnerable communities, NERI provided an in-kind grant to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to conduct six medical outreach events. Apart from bringing them closer together, this activity also addressed the practical health needs of the populace in Shuwa bypass, Giwa Cluster and Low Cost, which are communities nearest to security formations.

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