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Opinion: BOKO HARAM’S RENEWED BLOODY CAMPAIGN IN BORNO, AND THE DELIMA OF THE MILITARY

Published

8 months ago

March 13, 2026

By: A G Abubakar

Within a span of barely 48 hours, six military formations and forward operating bases in Nigeria’s North-East were reportedly overrun by insurgents. The chain of attacks began at Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area before cascading across several other locations—Kukawa, Bama, Goniri, Konduga, Dalwa, and Mainok. The last two settlements lie within a 40-kilometre radius of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, underscoring how dangerously close the violence has crept toward the heart of the region. Prior to the latest attacks, Boko Haram/ISWAP had also unleashed deadly violence on the Mandragirau and Gharang settlements of Biu and Hawul LGAs, respectively.

Spikes in violence by insurgent groups are a common feature of guerrilla warfare. It becomes a source of serious concern, however, when such attacks occur on a sustained basis, as has been the case with Boko Haram/ISWAP in the North-East over the past year.

The audacious assaults by the terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) left death and destruction in their wake. Three Nigerian Army commanders reportedly paid the supreme price in the line of duty, along with scores of civilians. In Ngoshe alone, more than 300 helpless villagers were abducted and later paraded in propaganda videos by the insurgents. In Dalwa and Ngoshe, houses built by the Borno State Government to resettle returning refugees were razed to the ground, further deepening the humanitarian tragedy in communities already battered by decades of violence. Dalwa lies only a few kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital, raising fears that the city—or parts of it—may now be within the insurgents’ sights.

Naturally, these developments have created a troubling sense of déjà vu in Borno State—and, by extension, within the Federal Government. For many Nigerians who have watched the insurgency drag on for more than a decade and a half, the disturbing question has once again surfaced: what exactly is going wrong? Is it a question of commitment within the military establishment?
Is it a failure of intelligence gathering and coordination?
Or have the insurgents evolved into a far more sophisticated fighting force than previously imagined?

These questions are uncomfortable but unavoidable. One issue that has long generated concern—even among casual observers—is the largely defensive posture adopted by the military in the theatre of war. In asymmetric warfare, a defensive approach can easily turn troops into sitting targets. Insurgents who dictate the timing, location, and tempo of attacks often gain a tactical advantage over conventional forces confined to defensive positions.

Another dimension of the challenge lies in Nigeria’s approach to military hardware and technology. Buying sophisticated weapons abroad is one thing; mastering and adapting them locally is quite another. Wars are rarely won simply by acquiring expensive equipment. The true advantage lies in a nation’s ability to domesticate, maintain, modify, and improve weapon systems in response to changing battlefield realities. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s approach has largely centred on purchasing and deploying hardware without developing the deeper technological ecosystem required to sustain and adapt such systems effectively.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram and ISWAP have steadily evolved. What began as ragtag militant bands have gradually transformed into increasingly organised and sophisticated fighting units. They have established enclaves and safe havens—particularly in difficult terrains such as the Sambisa Forest—where they regroup, train, and refine their tactics.

Equally troubling is the gradual loss of control over certain strategic transportation corridors. Major highways such as the Biu–Damboa–Maiduguri road and sections of the Damaturu–Biu corridor have faced prolonged security threats. The Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu highway, for instance, has remained largely closed for close to a decade. Even with military escorts, the Maiduguri–Gamboru transnational corridor remains a risky route.

In military strategy, surrendering control of major transportation arteries—whether highways, waterways, or ports—to hostile forces is profoundly counterproductive. It allows insurgents freedom of movement while restricting economic and civilian activity, thereby amplifying the psychological and economic cost of the conflict. Enclaves are sometimes conceded temporarily for tactical reasons—to herd and isolate enemy forces as part of a broader final offensive. But when such spaces become enduring sanctuaries, the balance of advantage shifts dangerously.

Then there is the sensitive issue of morale within the ranks of the armed forces. Reports of poor welfare conditions, allegations of corruption among some senior officers, and concerns about recruitment quality have occasionally surfaced in public discourse. When soldiers feel inadequately supported, poorly equipped, or uncertain about leadership decisions, battlefield effectiveness can suffer. War demands not only weapons but also morale, discipline, trust, cohesion, and accountability. The last of these has often appeared in short supply. The $2.2 billion weapons procurement fund allegedly misappropriated by Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), and the $2 million and N1.65 billion stolen by the convicted Gen. Umar Muhammed are among the more prominent examples. Many others have been implicated across the various services.

Modern warfare itself has changed dramatically. Conflicts are no longer fought exclusively with boots on the ground. Increasingly, battles are fought from the air and through advanced technologies—using drones, precision missiles, surveillance systems, and electronic warfare tools. In this regard, it is troubling that insurgent groups sometimes appear to be adapting faster in certain tactical areas than a country with more than 230,000 personnel across its various security services.

Nigeria must therefore rethink its security architecture. Strengthening local military production capability, investing in research and development, and integrating modern technologies into military doctrine are no longer optional—they are strategic necessities. Training must evolve alongside technology, and operational strategies must adapt to the realities of contemporary asymmetric warfare.

Beyond the battlefield, there is also a growing psychological dimension to the crisis: public fatigue and resignation. After more than fifteen years of violence, many communities in the North-East are gradually losing faith in the ability of the state to guarantee their safety. This erosion of confidence is dangerous for any nation.

Ironically, the early years of the insurgency revealed remarkable community resilience. In 2009, when Boko Haram briefly gained control of large parts of Maiduguri, young residents mobilised themselves to resist the insurgents. At one point, the militants had restricted movement and commercial activity, subjecting residents to severe hardship. Local youths organised themselves to push back. One, Baba Lawan Jafar, is believed to have initiated the historic move in June 2013. Others, like Shehu Ganiyu, also played key roles.

A similar story unfolded in Biu, where youths reportedly went from house to house identifying insurgents and confronting them—often armed with nothing more than clubs and improvised weapons.

These spontaneous community efforts eventually gave birth to what became known as the Civilian Joint Task Force (Civilian JTF)—popularly referred to in Hausa as “Kato da Gora.” Their bravery played a critical role in helping the military reclaim control of key urban areas and restoring a measure of stability.

However, after years of grinding conflict and perceived shortcomings in the national security response, the initial enthusiasm that powered such grassroots resistance has gradually waned. These developments demand serious reflection as Nigeria continues its long war against Boko Haram and ISWAP.

The insurgency has devastated the economy of the North-East, destroyed livelihoods, and displaced millions. Worse still, the security crisis has gradually spread beyond the region into other parts of the country that were once considered relatively safe.

19.More than a decade after the tragic abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, some of the victims are still believed to be in captivity, including Dapchi Girls’ School’s Leah Sharibu. Sadly, many more citizens have since been kidnapped across different parts of the country.

Meanwhile, over half a million displaced persons from Gwoza and other parts of northern Borno remain stranded in neighbouring Cameroon and the Niger Republic, unable to return home safely. Within Nigeria itself, it is estimated that more than three million people are internally displaced as a result of various forms of insecurity across the country. This is in addition to the not fewer than 50,000 people believed to have lost their lives to the insurgency in the North-East region alone.

Nigeria now ranks as the 6th most terrorised country according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025. It is also ranked 148 out of 168 countries on the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI). These and other indicators have combined to place Nigeria among the least cohesive countries in 2025, with a cohesion score of 46.8% according to the Africa Polling Institute. As a consequence of these challenges, Nigeria and Nigerians have lost considerable trust in the eyes of the international community.

It has also been estimated that the war against insurgency and other terrorist groups has cost the nation over N40 trillion over the last decade. This figure is derived as a fraction of the nation’s average annual defence expenditure of about $4 billion, at the current official exchange rate. These are resources that could otherwise have been invested in critical infrastructure and sustainable human capital development—initiatives capable of transforming the lives of millions of citizens.

These realities underscore a simple but urgent truth: Nigeria cannot afford complacency. The Federal Government must urgently reassess and rejig the nation’s security architecture—strategically, technologically, and institutionally. The war against insurgency requires not only courage on the battlefield but also clarity of strategy, innovation in technology, integrity in leadership, and renewed trust between the state and its citizens.

Above all, the situation demands urgency and a fundamentally new approach. The current strategy appears increasingly incapable of delivering decisive results. There is a popular wisdom that one cannot continue doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. Nigeria’s war against insurgency therefore requires bold rethinking and swift action; a paradigm shift from the usual “doctrine” trap.

Every delay carries a human cost—not only for the men and women on the battlefield but also for the civilians whose lives hang in the balance. History teaches that prolonged wars breed deprivation, disillusionment, and instability. For Nigeria, the stakes could not be higher. The country must either adapt its strategy and regain the initiative—or risk watching the conflict drag on with devastating consequences for national security and development.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

20 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

20 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”