The Truth Alliance is a new network of civil society organisation’s across both Nigeria and Niger who have come together to expose the truth behind how violent and extremist groups draw young people into their ranks.
We believe the time has come to tell the truth about the traps, the tricks, the lies and the deceit that are used to draw them in.
We want people to think for themselves about this truth, to realise if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
Our campaign is about the real stories of real people who survived these groups and our campaign tells those stories through the voices of friends and family.
Join us, help us and stop others from falling for the trap.
Time to Tell the Truth
Made up of real survivors and real-life stories, this campaign will expose the tactics and tricks violent groups use and the traps set to draw people into their ranks. Every survivor’s tale is a story of personal betrayal, tragedy and often death.
They all speak of the lies told and lives lost, of families broken apart, friends gone and dreams crushed.
Week after week we will add to the stories and reveal more and more from those who were there, from those whose who once fell for the trap.
Bukar Ali's Story
Bukar Ali’s is a 42-year-old Amir and his story chronicles a journey of repentance. After 8 years of being a member of Boko Haram, his decision to flee shows that it doesn’t matter how long a person has been a member, if it's right, anyone can turn a new leaf. Bukar’s story is told by his friend, but in his own words Bukar tells others, ‘don’t fall for their trap’.
Zaynab Kyari's Story
As a 40-year-old woman, Zaynab suffered the loss of two of her daughters and her first husband. Zaynab was lured into a group by necessity to feed herself and her children. But the emptiness of their promises and their deceit made her leave. Her story is one of despair and loss that she thinks Boko Haram represents. Her message is told by her friend and it is that what was offered to her was simply ‘too good to be true.’
Halima Shettima's Story
Halima’s story is a frequently told one for many women forced to join Bioko Haram. Not interested in their ideologies and practices, she continuously found herself within their circles because of her marriage to two men at different times. Her goal was to escape the emotional and physical prison the group represented in her life. She is a survivor, strong willed and a victim of circumstances. Her story is told by a friend, but her message to every woman is that ‘they control you through fear.’
Zara Modu's Story
Caught between leaving Boko Haram and being faced with poverty and stigma or returning to the sect where chaos ruled, Zara had an almost impossible decision to make. Zara had access to the inner workings of the sect and even had her husband and children as members of the group. But through it all, her’s is a story of grief, survival, hopelessness and a new beginning. Her story is told by a friend and her message to everyone is that ‘your life is nothing to them'.
Abba Goni's Story
Abba is 27 and as an Amir his story is unique because it chronicles the emergence and metamorphosis of Boko Haram and highlights the process of indoctrination they forced on their members. Abba started with a strong conviction, but still surrendered after realising how disruptive the group’s activities were to his community. In the end he decided that peace is more important than pushing the group’s violent ideology. Since leaving he has since taken it on himself to convert many from the Boko Haram. His story is told by his friend and his message to anyone is to warn that ‘the truth is hidden from you.’