Their Views and Voices: A Photovoice Documentation of Resettled Persons’ Experiences in Sabon Gari, Maiduguri-Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The post-insurgency phase typically leaves displaced persons with the following options: voluntary repatriation, integration, or resettlement. Each option requires the support of governmental and non-governmental actors for successful execution. Arguably, the post-insurgency phase in the context of the Boko Haram-driven conflict in Northeast Nigeria has given more attention to the repatriation of the displaced population, to the neglect and disadvantage of the integrated and resettled displaced population. Following the official closure of all formal Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri sometime in December 2021, a significant fraction of the Displaced Persons chose the integration and resettlement option. Hence, they moved to new settlements within and around Maiduguri metropolis to begin life afresh. Sabon Gari is one such community in Maiduguri, where displaced persons choose to settle. This community, located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is one of the communities that witnessed the influx of a sizable number of IDPs who chose to integrate or resettle. It is against this background that this paper employed an art-based research approach, with a specific focus on the photovoice methodology, to explore the experiences of these resettled displaced populations in the Sabon Gari community, aiming to assess their general well-being following the insurgency. The findings of this paper will highlight the challenges these individuals face and the interventions they desire to improve their overall well-being from their perspective. From their perspective, such identified interventions will contribute meaningfully to their resettlement and align with their cultural orientation. The overarching goal of this activity and paper is to create a platform for the voices of the resettled population to be heard while simultaneously empowering them as advocates for their community.

Keywords: Post-insurgency, Resettlement, Photovoice, Well-being, Culture

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/116-02

Publication date: April 30th 2026