Boko Haram has intensified its attacks and kidnappings in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state, with minimal resistance from security forces, according to Governor Babagana Zulum.
The Islamist group’s resurgence is attributed to internal conflicts within its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which had previously weakened it.
Boko Haram has dislodged military formations in several districts, killing civilians and security forces, and Governor Zulum warns that Borno state is “losing ground” to insurgents.
Nigeria’s military is stretched thin, dealing with various security issues across the country, including armed gangs and farmer-herder clashes.
The withdrawal of Niger from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has further complicated efforts to combat Boko Haram.
To regain control, experts suggest that Nigeria’s military needs to adopt more aggressive and innovative strategies, including deploying technological warfare to counter Boko Haram’s adapted tactics, such as drone usage.
The situation is dire, with tens of thousands of people killed or displaced by Boko Haram’s violence.
