Boko Haram Fighters Had More Ammunition Than Our Soldiers; External Groups Were Deeply Involved – Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that the Boko Haram insurgency continues to be one of the most intricate and persistent security threats in Nigeria’s history, cautioning that relying solely on military measures will not resolve the crisis.

Jonathan made these remarks on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Abuja during the public unveiling of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, written by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He explained that, unlike earlier conflicts in Nigeria, such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious clashes, the Boko Haram insurgency left deeper wounds due to its international ties, extremist ideology, and sophisticated 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.

The former President highlighted that the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls remains one of the most agonizing scars of his tenure, emphasizing that no superficial solution could erase it from the nation’s shared memory.

He recounted his experience engaging with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, noting that his choice to visit their camps without armed escorts stemmed from a belief that dialogue must accompany military efforts.

“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.

Jonathan, however, stressed that Boko Haram poses a unique challenge. He advocated for a comprehensive strategy that integrates security operations with effective governance, poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and social justice to address the insurgency.

“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 urged Nigeria to adopt a similar strategy against Boko Haram by addressing poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities susceptible to extremist recruitment.

Jonathan praised Gen. Irabor for documenting his insights, noting that the book would deepen the nation’s understanding of the insurgency and guide future leaders in crafting 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,” he added.

The event drew prominent figures, including Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Mathew Hassan Kukah, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli