Nigeria’s Ongoing Battle Against Boko Haram
In a recent revelation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, disclosed that a considerable number of Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to Nigerian troops through a non-kinetic approach.
Non-Kinetic Approach and Surrender Statistics
Speaking at the opening of the National Security Course on ‘Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication,’ General Musa shed light on the evolving nature of the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
According to the Chief of Defence Staff, a total of 1,935 Boko Haram terrorists were released from the Bulumkutu camp in Borno State between 2016 and 2022. He emphasized the effectiveness of non-kinetic efforts, citing that over 2,000 terrorists surrendered between 2016 and 2017 through Operation Safe Corridor, with a significant number from the Abubakar Shekau faction.
In the period from July 2021 to May 4, 2022, alone, more than 51,800 terrorists and their family members surrendered, with 13,360 identified as fighters. The military’s use of both hard and soft power in counter-insurgency operations has been scaled up to address the changing nature of adversaries, General Musa stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the importance of non-kinetic approaches, citing the graduation of 1,543 repentant terrorists from Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State. Furthermore, he revealed that 106,000 terrorists and their family members have surrendered in the North East, showcasing the impact of strategic measures implemented by the Nigerian military.
General Musa advocated for a comprehensive strategy, including individual case management, referral services, community-based peacebuilding, reconciliation, and reintegration, to effectively combat insecurity in the country. The ongoing battle against Boko Haram remains a top priority for Nigeria, and the military is adapting its approach to ensure a holistic response to the complex challenges posed by the insurgency.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security concerns, the figures presented by the Chief of Defence Staff underscore the multifaceted nature of the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the significance of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
