IS NIGERIA AT WAR WITH HERSELF?

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The Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria remains one of the country’s most persistent and devastating crises. What began as a seemingly fringe movement has grown into a prolonged catastrophe that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and affected both Nigerians and foreigners alike. To this day, the true origins of the group are still debated, and its leadership has long been shrouded in mystery. Abubakar Shekau, long presented as its commander, was reported dead and “resurrected” multiple times before his eventual confirmed death. The identity of those who truly direct the group continues to elude clear public understanding.

Successive Nigerian governments, working with regional partners, have poured enormous human and material resources into confronting the threat. Yet the crisis has refused to heal; it remains an open wound that continues to inflict deep suffering.

This raises fundamental questions: What do the members of this group actually want? What grievances drive them? And how can the country address those grievances in a way that persuades fighters to lay down their arms permanently rather than return to violence?

People rarely take up arms without reason. When a child cries from hunger, beating the child will not solve the problem; feeding the child will. The same logic applies to conflict. Dialogue remains the most constructive path to resolution. Wherever agitation arises—whether in the North, East, South, or West—those involved should be invited into genuine talks. A sincere, open line of communication must be established so that both sides can address the underlying issues.

Has this approach been adequately tried with Boko Haram? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo made an effort, but it yielded limited results. This points to a critical factor: the quality and legitimacy of the mediators and representatives. Those who speak for the fighters must be chosen by the fighters themselves, and the government side must demonstrate consistent sincerity. If initial talks fail, they should be renewed rather than abandoned.

In early 2020, the Nigerian government took a constructive step by receiving repentant Boko Haram members, rehabilitating them, sending some abroad for education, and training others in practical skills. This is a positive model that deserves to be expanded and sustained. Each successful reintegration can create messengers of peace who may influence those still in the bush, demonstrating that a different future is possible.

Nigeria cannot afford to treat dialogue as a one-time experiment or a sign of weakness. Continued refusal to pursue repeated, genuine engagement with those who have taken up arms risks leaving the country locked in a prolonged conflict with itself.

Comments

  1. Ewere21 September 2020 at 14:07

    Nice article, it really shows the current state of things.

    ReplyDelete

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