15 Years On, Boko Haram Insurgency Longer Than Civil War — Obj

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised alarm over Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity, noting that the Boko Haram insurgency has dragged on for 15 years — far longer than the Nigerian Civil War, which ended after 30 months.

Speaking virtually on the Toyin Falola Interviews alongside Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and former CBN Deputy Governor Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, Obasanjo warned that Nigeria will continue to struggle against insurgency and banditry unless the military adopts specialised foreign training, boosts intelligence gathering and deploys modern technology.

He argued that Nigeria’s security forces remain largely prepared for “conventional warfare,” not the asymmetric, guerrilla-style conflicts ravaging the country.

According to him, four critical elements must come together for Nigeria to win the war: specialised training, modern equipment, reliable intelligence and advanced technology.

“Colombia has handled this kind of warfare successfully. Should we bring them in? There is no shame in that,” he said.

“The equipment to fight insurgents is different from what is used in conventional warfare. Intelligence is vital but can others trust us with what they know?”

Obasanjo also criticised the practice of allowing the military to directly procure equipment, describing defence procurement as a complex industry that requires a different structure.

Reflecting on the longevity of the crisis, he noted: “The civil war lasted 30 months. We thought it would last six. This insurgency has gone on for almost 15 years.”

He recalled his 2011 visit to Maiduguri to understand Boko Haram’s origins and grievances. According to him, the insurgents were organised and initially unwilling to negotiate with the government.

Obasanjo said he rejected an offer of a government aircraft because taking it would make the group distrust him.

He added that although Boko Haram later agreed to dialogue, insisting it must occur outside Africa, the federal government failed to follow up.