For over five years, Nigeria has been grappling with insurgency. With the General Elections approaching, there is still uncertainty about whether elections will be held in states under emergency and territories controlled by insurgents.
Under Shekau’s leadership, Boko Haram has transformed from a rag-tag group of youths armed with cutlasses and sticks into a well-armed force wielding modern weapons, armored vehicles, and even anti-aircraft systems. Videos circulating online confirm what we read in the news: Nigeria has lost control of some territories in the North East.
Shekau’s aggressive and lethal campaign often follows through on his threats. He warned about abducting girls and women months before it happened and then released a video threatening to marry them off after converting them to Islam, which he later confirmed. The Nigerian government should learn from Shekau’s consistency: if they claim Boko Haram will be crushed in three months, they must fulfill that promise.
It is now clear that Nigeria is at war with its own people, who are ready to die for their cause. While avoiding the many conspiracy theories, it’s evident that neither of the main political parties would sponsor or support Boko Haram directly or indirectly. However, as Ahmad Salkida, the journalist with direct links to the group’s leadership, mentioned, the government has mismanaged the crisis.
Experts have highlighted weaknesses that negatively affect the group, such as poverty alleviation, but the government has yet to address them. Education is crucial in tackling this crisis, as it is seen as the biggest enemy by the insurgents.
Many schools have been bombed, and numerous remain closed, leaving thousands of children out of school and millions fearful for their safety. The Nigerian government must recognize that this crisis transcends political rivalries; it is an existential threat to Nigeria.
Calling for international assistance, especially from neighboring countries and the African Union, is not a sign of failure. If the AU can intervene in Somalia and Mali, there is no reason it cannot assist Nigeria in ending this crisis. As the saying goes, “what goes around comes around.”