Since its emergence in 2002, Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group based in northeastern Nigeria, has posed a relentless and lethal threat. The organisation’s extremist ideology, grounded in a rigid interpretation of Islam, advocates the creation of an Islamic state and the strict implementation of Sharia law. Of course, Boko Haram’s activities have spread beyond Nigeria, affecting neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The insurgency is responsible for over 50,000 deaths, the displacement of an estimated four million people, according to various reports (including the United Nations) and widespread destruction. Moreover, according to a recent report released by the United Nations, Boko Haram-affiliated groups and splinter factions, including ISWAP, abducted at least 211 children and recruited at least 63 children, including 54 girls, between January and December 2021.
Interestingly, in 2024, for the first time since 2020, a new wave of suicide bombings has returned to Nigeria. Three suicide bombers, suspected to be female members of Boko Haram, carried out a series of attacks at a wedding ceremony in Gwoza, Borno State, killing 32 people and injuring several others. Furthermore, just a few days after the attack, five police officers were reportedly killed in an ambush in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, allegedly by the Boko Haram sect. Although similar incidents occur daily in many rural communities, they often go unreported because these areas lack basic infrastructure and resources, making it difficult for the media to access and report on these incidents effectively. As a result, rural communities suffer more at the hands of terrorists than those living in cities, where terrorists cannot operate freely. Unfortunately, these rural communities remain in a vulnerable state and a deplorable living condition.
Effectively addressing Boko Haram requires a comprehensive strategy that simultaneously tackles the immediate security threats and the underlying socio-economic and political issues that fuel the insurgency. While military intervention is a crucial element in combating the insurgency, the government, supported by regional and international partners, faces significant challenges in responding to the escalating and spreading activities of terrorists, particularly in the northern region. Although the Multinational Joint Task Force, comprising troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin, plays a vital role in coordinating regional military efforts, and some successes have been recorded in diminishing Boko Haram’s territorial control and operational capabilities, more needs to be done to achieve lasting results.
Furthermore, the allegations of human rights abuses by security forces have eroded local support and bolstered Boko Haram’s recruitment efforts. Therefore, military operations need to comply with international human rights standards to maintain the moral high ground and win the hearts of the locals without whom it may be difficult for the government to access useful information that could help contain the activities of the dreaded group.
More so, effective intelligence gathering, and surveillance are crucial for preventing terrorists’ attacks and dismantling their networks. Apart from building community-based intelligence networks that can help collect actionable information from residents, who are often the first to observe suspicious activities, strengthening the capabilities of the security agencies through advanced training, cutting-edge technology, and international collaboration is very essential.
The President Bola Tinubu administration should live up to its responsibility by addressing the current socio-economic conditions that drive the insurgency. Boko Haram exploits poverty, unemployment, and lack of education to recruit, particularly disaffected youth. Therefore, implementing comprehensive development programmes that improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, especially in northern Nigeria, is vital to reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies. Additionally, investing in infrastructure and social services in these affected regions can help rebuild trust between the government and local communities.
Although the government’s deradicalisation and rehabilitation efforts are crucial and essential for the reintegration of former insurgents into society, they have not been yielding the desired results. Ideally, this should prevent recidivism and stop the spread of extremist ideologies in the country, particularly in areas where terrorist activities are most prevalent. To improve this, the government should promote alternative narratives by empowering moderate religious leaders, which will help counter the extremist ideologies that vulnerable young people are susceptible to. Additionally, community engagement programmes that foster dialogue and understanding between different religious and ethnic groups can help counter Boko Haram’s divisive rhetoric and promote social cohesion.
Additionally, effective governance and political inclusion are crucial for addressing the root causes of the proliferation of insurgency activities: They are also crucial in mitigating their impact. Issues like corruption, political marginalisation, and lack of accountability have fuelled the grievances that terrorist organisations exploit. Therefore, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations, and encouraging political participation can help address these challenges.
Although efforts to combat terrorism have been ongoing, however, stubborn challenges persist. The group’s ability to adapt and evolve, combined with the vast and treacherous terrain of the affected areas, poses significant hurdles. Furthermore, the intricate socio-political dynamics of Nigeria and its neighbouring countries add complexity to the situation. Therefore, to effectively address the resulting humanitarian crisis, sustained support and resources from the international community are very essential.
To make meaningful progress, a unified and multifaceted approach is vital, incorporating military, socio-economic, political, and humanitarian tactics. Continuous assessment and strategic adaptation, informed by real-time ground realities, are critical to successfully countering terrorism, especially in the beleaguered northern region of the country. Moreover, the ultimate objective should extend beyond merely defeating insurgency; the government should aim to create a stable, prosperous, and resilient environment that prevents the spread of extremism and fosters lasting peace and development.
