In a thought-provoking address delivered on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Abuja, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan described the Boko Haram insurgency as one of the most intricate and persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s history. Speaking at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by retired General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff, Jonathan emphasized that military force alone cannot resolve the crisis. He called for a comprehensive strategy that integrates security measures with socioeconomic reforms to address the root causes of the insurgency.
Jonathan highlighted the unique complexity of the Boko Haram insurgency, distinguishing it from other crises Nigeria has faced, such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious conflicts. He noted that Boko Haram’s external connections, extremist ideology, and access to sophisticated weaponry set it apart. “Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine,” Jonathan remarked. “At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved.” This revelation underscored the international dimensions of the insurgency, which has plagued Nigeria’s northeast for over a decade, causing widespread devastation, displacing millions, and claiming countless lives.
Reflecting on one of the most harrowing episodes of his presidency, Jonathan described the 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State as a deeply painful scar on Nigeria’s collective memory. “The Chibok abduction remains one of the most traumatic events of my administration,” he said. “No form of cosmetic remedy can erase it from our nation’s history.” The incident, which drew global attention and sparked the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, highlighted the audacity of Boko Haram and exposed the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s security architecture at the time. Jonathan’s candid acknowledgment of the emotional toll of the event resonated with the audience, which included high-profile dignitaries such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Drawing from his experience as Vice President during the Niger Delta militancy, Jonathan shared insights into how dialogue and engagement were instrumental in resolving that conflict. He recounted his bold decision to visit militant camps in the Niger Delta without armed escorts, driven by a belief that dialogue must complement military action. “In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps,” he said. “We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to their grievances, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked.” The Niger Delta amnesty program, which offered vocational training, education, and stipends to former militants, was a cornerstone of this strategy and significantly reduced violence in the region.
However, Jonathan stressed that the Boko Haram insurgency presents a fundamentally different challenge due to its ideological underpinnings and external support. Unlike the Niger Delta militants, who were largely driven by economic grievances, Boko Haram’s extremist ideology and rejection of Western education complicate efforts to negotiate or engage. “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem,” Jonathan asserted. “It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.” He advocated for a multifaceted strategy that combines robust security operations with initiatives to address poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion—factors that make communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
Jonathan elaborated on the need for good governance, youth empowerment, and social justice as critical components of any effective response to the insurgency. He argued that addressing the socioeconomic conditions that fuel extremism is essential for sustainable peace. “Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment,” he said. This holistic approach, he believes, would disrupt the cycle of radicalization and violence by offering young people opportunities for education, employment, and inclusion in society.
The former president also praised General Irabor for his book, which documents his experiences and reflections on Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram. Jonathan described the book as a valuable contribution to the nation’s understanding of the insurgency and a guide for future leaders in shaping effective policy responses. “Those who were directly involved must tell their stories,” he said. “This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future.” By documenting the challenges faced by the military and the broader society, Irabor’s work provides a firsthand perspective on the complexities of combating an insurgency with both local and global dimensions.
The event, held in the nation’s capital, was a significant gathering of Nigeria’s political, military, and religious elite. The presence of figures like Bishop Kukah, known for his outspoken advocacy for peace and justice, and former President Obasanjo, a key figure in Nigeria’s political history, underscored the importance of the occasion. The attendance of service chiefs, ministers, and diplomats further highlighted the national and international relevance of the discussion on Boko Haram and its implications for Nigeria’s stability.
Jonathan’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the Boko Haram insurgency, despite significant military gains in recent years. While the group has been weakened, its factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to carry out attacks in the northeast, targeting civilians, military personnel, and infrastructure. The insurgency has also exacerbated humanitarian challenges, with millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps and host communities under dire conditions.
The former president’s call for a comprehensive approach aligns with growing recognition among policymakers and analysts that military action alone is insufficient to address the root causes of insurgency. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, lack of education, and unemployment have been identified as key drivers of radicalization, particularly among youth in northern Nigeria. Initiatives aimed at improving access to education, creating jobs, and fostering inclusive governance are increasingly seen as critical to preventing the spread of extremist ideologies.
Jonathan’s reflections also highlight the importance of learning from past experiences to inform future strategies. His emphasis on dialogue, as demonstrated in the Niger Delta, suggests that engaging communities affected by insurgency could yield positive results, even if the ideological nature of Boko Haram complicates such efforts. His advocacy for a holistic approach resonates with global best practices in countering violent extremism, which emphasize the need for both “hard” (military) and “soft” (socioeconomic) measures.
The book launch provided a platform for renewed discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges and the path to lasting peace. General Irabor’s Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum is expected to contribute to this discourse by offering insights from one of Nigeria’s most experienced military leaders. The book is likely to serve as a resource for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to understand the complexities of the insurgency and the lessons learned from Nigeria’s response.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges posed by Boko Haram and other security threats, Jonathan’s remarks serve as a reminder of the need for a balanced and inclusive approach. By addressing the root causes of extremism and fostering dialogue where possible, Nigeria can move closer to achieving sustainable peace and stability. The former president’s call to action, combined with the insights shared in Irabor’s book, offers hope that Nigeria can learn from its past and chart a more effective course in its fight against insurgency.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism about the potential for Nigeria to overcome its security challenges through collective effort and strategic policymaking. The presence of a diverse array of stakeholders underscored the shared commitment to addressing the Boko Haram crisis and building a more resilient nation. As Jonathan’s words echoed through the room, they served as both a reflection on the past and a call to action for the future, urging Nigeria to confront its challenges with courage, wisdom, and unity.
