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Conflict and security analyst Bulama Bukarti has warned the Federal Government against prematurely declaring victory over terrorism, the Northern Star online gathered
He said recent successes in eliminating Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed group leaders should not lead to complacency.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, 3 July 2026, Bukarti commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the military, and other security agencies for sustained operations that have resulted in the deaths of several terrorist commanders.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, 3 July 2026, Bukarti commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the military, and other security agencies for sustained operations that have resulted in the deaths of several terrorist commanders.
While acknowledging government achievements, Bukarti drew attention to Nigeria’s past. He recalled the killing of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf in 2009 and how it was handled by the government of the time.
While acknowledging government achievements, Bukarti drew attention to Nigeria’s past. He recalled the killing of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf in 2009 and how it was handled by the government of the time.
“When Mohammed Yusuf was killed, the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration took a victory laugh and said they have defeated Boko Haram because Mohammed Yusuf was killed,” Bukarti said during the interview.
According to the analyst, the aftermath of Yusuf’s death showed that terrorist groups can reorganize, recruit new fighters, and return stronger if the root causes of insurgency are not addressed.
Bukarti stressed that military victories must be matched with long-term strategies. He listed intelligence gathering, good governance, community engagement, and prevention of radicalization as key to lasting peace.
He argued that killing commanders alone will not end terrorism. Without tackling poverty, poor governance, and ideology, he said, new leaders will simply emerge to replace those killed.
He argued that killing commanders alone will not end terrorism. Without tackling poverty, poor governance, and ideology, he said, new leaders will simply emerge to replace those killed.
Bukarti concluded that the history of Boko Haram is a reminder that insurgencies are not defeated by eliminating one person. He urged the Tinubu administration to sustain pressure militarily while investing in the social and political solutions that prevent extremism.
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