Nigeria: Boko Haram Attacks Show Militants Far From Defeat
| Publisher | Jamestown Foundation |
| Author | Alexander Sehmer |
| Publication Date | 1 December 2016 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23 |
| Cite as | Jamestown Foundation, Nigeria: Boko Haram Attacks Show Militants Far From Defeat, 1 December 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 23, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/584080ff4.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Link to original story on Jamestown website
The release of 21 of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls in Nigeria last month, apparently without any concession from the government, was seen as an indication Boko Haram was on the ropes. However, a series of successful recent attacks and the killing of a high-profile military officer has poured cold water on government claims the group has been brought to its knees (Guardian [Nigeria], October 14).
On November 4, Boko Haram fighters killed Lieutenant Colonel Muhammed Abu-Ali, along with four of his men in an ambush during fighting at Mallam Fatori in Borno State (Premium Times, November 5). Abu-Ali was widely celebrated in Nigeria as a hero of the country's counter-terrorism efforts, and his death prompted tributes from political and military figures (Premium Times, November 6). A separate ambush just days later killed another commander, Lieutenant Colonel BU Umar, although in that case the military delayed releasing details of the incident (Premium Times, November 24).
In May the Nigerian military launched "Operation Crackdown" in a bid to clear the Sambisa forest of Boko Haram fighters and rescue the Chibok schoolgirls (This Day, May 3). Nearly eight months later, however, the offensive is still under way, hampered by the dense vegetation of the forest, Boko Haram's better knowledge of the terrain and the poor state of the Nigerian armed forces.
The military was the focus of recent criticism by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who blasted them as corrupt, poorly equipped and run by "cruel and unpatriotic" commanders who turn their men out to face Boko Haram without adequate resources (Nigerian Bulletin, November 23). Even allowing for the politicking of Nigeria's former leader, who feels his own administration's achievements have been overlooked by President Muhammadu Buhari, the picture he paints of the Nigerian military is not wholly inaccurate.
Sensitive to the recent setbacks, and ahead of Obasanjo's public rebuke, the military has tried to bolster confidence. The air force has released footage of its fighter jets striking Boko Haram targets in Goni Kurmi, while the chief of defense staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, briefed journalists about military successes while inspecting newly acquired military vehicles (The Nation, October 11; Guardian [Nigeria], November 21).
Even so, the killing of the high-profile Abu-Ali is a blow to the government's efforts and contradicts President Buhari's claim - now nearly a year ago - that Boko Haram was "technically defeated" (BBC, December 24, 2015). Even with an ideological split that has divided the militants in recent months, Boko Haram continues to be a serious threat (see Terrorism Monitor, August 19). It will take more than media statements to bring a successful end to the Sambisa forest operation.
