OPINION: BOKO HARAM AND ISWAP INSURGENCY IN NORTHERN REGION

  


by LA MII  

 

Boko Haram, which translates to ‘Western Education is forbidden’ originated in 2002 at Maiduguri in Borno State. It was focused on eradicating Western Education and Cultural Influences, which the group considered contrary to Islamic teachings. After the death of Mohammed Yusuf the founder, Abubakar Shekau took over. His era was marked by extreme violence and brutality which made Boko Haram increasingly militarized and aggressive, which eventually led to the split and formation of ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) in 2016.  

 

Unlike Boko Haram, The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is a jihadist militant group operating primarily in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. On November 16th 2024, suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 40 people in Yobe State, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the Northern region in recent months.  

 

However, on November 21st 2024, the extreme terrorists ambushed a Nigerian security convoy tasked with protecting power grid installations. Around 200 Boko Haram fighters launched the assault, resulting in the deaths of over 50 terrorists, but 7 Nigerian officers remain missing after the clash. Additionally, a separate attack in Borno led to the deaths of 20 soldiers after the extreme terrorists overran a military camp in Kareto, burning vehicles and equipment which underscores the group's continued capability to challenge Nigerian security forces.  

 

Nevertheless, after Shekau’s death, the insurgency in Borno State is not by Boko Haram alone but with ISWAP who has access to ISIS resources which made it a more organized and sophisticated threat compared to Boko Haram. Although, stopping the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State and the broader northern region of Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that combines military, social, economic, and political strategies. In as much as we have different solutions for insurgency, the most important one according to the world view of Boko Haram and ISWAP is the Engagement of local leaders and religious leaders to counter extremist narratives with a detailed reason why education is important using sharia law to promote peace.  

 

Other key points involve that; The Nigerian Government should provide adequate training, equipment, and intelligence support to the military and police to combat Boko Haram effectively. The Nigerian Government should enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities to preempt and disrupt Boko Haram activities.  

 

The Nigerian Government should Implement programs to reduce poverty and provide economic opportunities, especially for youth who may otherwise be vulnerable to recruitment. In short, ending the insurgency of Boko Haram and ISWAP is a long-term process that requires sustained efforts, adequate funding, and the commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, local communities, and international partners.  

To address and conclude on strategies for stopping insurgency in Borno State requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving national reforms, local community engagement, and regional cooperation.


By addressing root causes, improving security, and fostering development, stakeholders can create lasting peace and stability in the region. To put an end to insurgency is possible but it will take time, effort and hard work from everyone by putting in mind that together we rise and divided we fall. 

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