Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Abdulmalik Mahmood, recently shared his commendations for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian Army due to their effectiveness in combating Boko Haram, a terrorist group that has plagued Nigeria for years. In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online during the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, Mahmood expressed his optimism about the improved security conditions in affected regions. This yearly event addressed critical issues such as governance, food security, and sustainable growth in Nigeria. Mahmood emphasized that the current state of affairs marks a significant turnaround from the chaotic situations of the past, particularly in the North East and North West regions.
Mahmood highlighted the noticeable return of residents and farmers to their regular activities and livelihoods in areas once ravaged by the insurgency. He noted, “The menace of Boko Haram has drastically reduced in the North,” stressing that the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government deserve credit for this achievement. The former deputy governor acknowledged that while isolated incidents of violence still occur, particularly in regions like Borno, they pale compared to the rampant terror experienced five to eight years ago. He pointed out that individuals in most affected areas now maneuver freely, and agricultural activities have resumed, showcasing a restoring sense of normalcy.
Supporting these claims, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of the National Defence College, revealed that Boko Haram’s financial backing has significantly decreased since 2016, attributing this decline to consistent federal military operations. During a seminar on defense and security management in Abuja, Olotu remarked that the insurgents had funded their operations primarily through criminal activities such as kidnapping and extortion. He shed light on how, in 2014, Boko Haram generated an estimated $20 million to $70 million annually, with substantial contributions from ransom payments alone. This financial weakening of the group reflects the effectiveness of the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria.
Despite the assurances regarding the reduced presence and influence of Boko Haram, concerns linger about the broader implications of insurgency for Nigeria. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently sounded alarms regarding the dire statistic of 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, suggesting that this educational gap could serve as a wellspring for future recruitment into insurgent groups like Boko Haram. Obasanjo made this declaration while inaugurating key infrastructure in Bauchi, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate this precarious situation that threatens national security.
In a related discourse, Professor Nuhu Gworgwor from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jos elaborated on the impact of the insurgency on food production and security in the North. He pointed out that the prolonged conflict has severely restricted agricultural productivity, resulting in food shortages and higher prices. Areas such as Borno, Yobe, and Kano have borne the brunt of the violence, transforming farmlands into battlegrounds and displacing farmers to camps dependent on humanitarian aid for sustenance. These factors contribute to a grim scenario where Nigeria, despite its economic stature, grapples with alarming poverty rates and food insecurity.
According to the Global Food Crisis report for 2024, around 26.5 million Nigerians, or 13 percent of the analyzed population, are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity, underscoring the urgent need for strategic solutions. As rural areas become increasingly vulnerable to malnutrition and lack of affordable, quality food, the implications of insurgency extend beyond immediate violence, affecting the broader agricultural sector and economy. This reality serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of security and food stability, calling for comprehensive policies aimed at restoring peace and enhancing agricultural productivity in the affected regions.
In conclusion, while significant strides have been made in combating Boko Haram and restoring peace to many areas, the challenges of education, food security, and persistent economic disparities require ongoing attention and action from governance structures at all levels. The collective efforts of the Nigerian Army, federal government, and local communities must continue to focus not only on eliminating insurgency but also on addressing the systemic issues that lead to vulnerability. A concerted approach that encompasses education, support for farmers, and economic revitalization is essential for creating a sustainable path forward for Nigeria, ensuring that the gains achieved thus far are not only protected but also built upon for a more secure future.
