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Boko Haram Kills Over 300 in Five Weeks Report Warns of Failing Counterinsurgency Strategy

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – Over 300 people, including more than 100 military personnel and 200 civilians, have been killed in renewed Boko Haram attacks over a five-week period, according to a new report by security research firm Nextier SPD. The report, titled “Re-thinking Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Strategy: The Aftermath of the Boko Haram Resurgence”, highlights a troubling increase in both the frequency and lethality of terrorist attacks in northeastern Nigeria between November 2024 and April 2025. Authored by Dr. Ndu Nwokolo and Dr. Chibuike Njoku, the findings reveal that 252 terrorist incidents were recorded during the six-month span. January 2025 alone saw 92 deaths, despite a relatively average number of attacks that month. “Military victories do not necessarily translate to improved community security and stabilisation,” the report notes. The report links the resurgence of violence to the two main Boko Haram factions — Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) — which have ramped up their operations with more sophisticated tactics including ambushes on military convoys, use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and raids on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. In a worrying development, the insurgents have reportedly seized control of three local government areas in Borno State, further undermining state authority and disrupting humanitarian operations. The report also raised alarm over growing military fatigue, deteriorating civil-military relations, and a surge in kidnappings, particularly in April 2025. Despite continued military offensives, Nextier SPD argues that Nigeria’s current approach — heavily focused on military operations — has failed to address the underlying drivers of insurgency, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education. The authors call for a comprehensive, people-centred counterinsurgency strategy, combining military efforts with socioeconomic reforms, inclusive dialogue, and community-based interventions. “The current strategy is reactive rather than preventative,” the report warns. “Without urgent reforms, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism may continue to flounder, leaving millions vulnerable to extremist violence.” The resurgence of Boko Haram comes as Nigeria faces mounting security challenges across several regions, with many analysts now urging a fundamental rethink of national security policy to address the root causes of violence rather than its symptoms.

Boko Haram: Information Minister Naive Says Zulum

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago14 mins

overnor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has responded to a news report suggesting that the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the governor’s concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the state. Zulum had earlier raised alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings, stating that the insurgents are regaining ground with minimal resistance from security forces. He made these remarks during a meeting with security agencies in Maiduguri on Tuesday, where he urged coordinated efforts to address the situation. According to Daily Trust, Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to wreak havoc in the northeast, targeting civilians and military installations and displacing thousands. However, a separate publication claimed that the Information Minister dismissed the governor’s concerns. In a swift rebuttal, Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, issued a statement describing the publication as false and misleading. “At no time did the Minister say, ‘Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.’ Such a headline is sensational and a deliberate act of misinformation,” the statement read. In an interview with journalists, Governor Zulum said he would not exchange words with the Minister but believed the Information Minister is unaware of the gravity of the situation. “I believe he is naive of what is happening in the country. Our discussions during the Security Council meeting were not confrontational. We merely raised the alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Borno and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the state government, military, and paramilitary forces,” Zulum explained, adding that such warnings should be seen as constructive. He assured residents that proactive steps are already being taken. The governor revealed that he had met with key service chiefs in Abuja and received assurances that the military would respond robustly to the emerging threats. “Under my watch, Boko Haram will not regain the capacity they once had. We will strengthen our support to the military, and mobilize our civilian joint task force, hunters, and vigilantes,” he said. Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace, saying, “Since taking office in 2019, we’ve made significant progress. What is happening now will not be allowed to continue unchecked.”