Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the Boko Haram insurgency as one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
The former President explained that unlike the Niger Delta militancy and other ethno-religious crises, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external links, extremist ideology, and superior weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
He recalled the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 as one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no cosmetic remedy could erase it from Nigeria’s collective memory.
Drawing from his personal experience in resolving the Niger Delta crisis, Jonathan said dialogue and community engagement were critical. He recalled visiting militant camps without armed escorts as Vice President to build trust and lay the foundation for peace.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
However, Jonathan stressed that Boko Haram presented a different challenge and must be tackled through a holistic strategy that blends security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
“We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace,” he said.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, noting that the book would enrich Nigeria’s understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping effective policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” Jonathan added.
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