Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has shed light on why the battle against Boko Haram has dragged on for so long. In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on January 24, he explained the complexities of fighting the insurgency, highlighting both operational challenges and the terrorist group’s tactics.
According to General Musa, Boko Haram’s survival for over 16 years is largely due to their ability to secure funding and maintain operations despite military efforts. He emphasized that the group is motivated by a radical ideology, making them particularly difficult to defeat. “They believe they are right, and that martyrdom leads to reward,” he noted, adding that their willingness to sacrifice their lives in battle and use civilians as human shields complicates military operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff also pointed out that the fight against Boko Haram is not like conventional warfare, where forces battle for territory. Instead, it involves an enemy with no fear of death, making it “extremely difficult” to defeat. The insurgents have adapted by exploiting international laws and civilian protection protocols, which limits the military’s ability to act decisively.
Musa also stated that while conventional warfare could quickly end such a conflict with the right resources, the rules of engagement, ethical considerations, and the challenge of identifying enemy combatants make the operation far more complicated and prolonged.
The insurgency has caused severe suffering, with tens of thousands of lives lost and over 2.3 million people displaced since it began in 2013.
