Boko Haram insurgency has lasted 15 Years, longer than Civil War — Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed grave concern that Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram has dragged on for 15 years, far longer than the 30-month Nigerian Civil War, with no clear end in sight.
Speaking virtually on Sunday during the Toyin Falola Interviews, Obasanjo warned that insurgency and banditry will continue unless Nigeria’s military undergoes specialised foreign training, strengthens intelligence operations, and deploys modern technology.
According to him, Nigeria’s armed forces are still largely trained for conventional warfare, not the asymmetric guerrilla-style conflicts posed by terrorists. He outlined four critical needs for defeating insurgency: specialised training, proper equipment, reliable intelligence, and advanced technology.
Obasanjo suggested that countries like Colombia, which have successfully handled similar conflicts, could help train Nigerian forces, stressing that “there is no shame in that.” He also questioned why the military is responsible for procuring its own equipment, describing the supply process as an entire “industry.”
Reflecting on Boko Haram’s origin, Obasanjo recalled his 2011 visit to Maiduguri, where he attempted to understand the group’s grievances and leadership. He noted that their former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was initially seen as a decent man and that early peace efforts failed due to a lack of government follow-through.
“I eventually reported everything to the government, but nothing was done,” he said, adding that even a proposed ceasefire was ignored.
The former president warned that without urgent reforms in training, intelligence and technology, Nigeria risks remaining trapped in a cycle of insecurity.
