This report is based on data collected from December 2020 to January 2021, as part of a phone survey with a representative sample of 3,483 community members and a survey conducted with over 215 community leaders (e.g., Bulamas, Lawans, ward chairmen) from November 2020 to February 2021 from key locations in and around the Maiduguri metropolitan area in Borno State, Nigeria.

The report presents emerging findings about community experiences with and perceptions of Volunteer Security Outfits – and how they differ by gender. This data was gathered to understand the full range of actors involved in the insurgency and support UN partners working in the North East of Nigeria in their efforts to demobilize children from – and support efforts to professionalize – self-defence groups.

This publication can be downloaded from the UNU-CPR website

Citation: Siobhan O’Neil, Sherif Mabrouk and Kato Van Broeckhoven (2021) "Volunteer Security Outfits in North East Nigeria," MEAC Findings Report 5, United Nations University, New York.