Solutions to Boko Haram’s Highway Attacks in Nigeria

To address the threat posed by Boko Haram’s highway attacks, which have made travelers fearful of using motor vehicles, the Nigerian government and regional partners can implement the following measures:

Short-term Solutions

• Revive Regional Coalition: Strengthen the alliance with neighboring countries, such as Benin, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, to enhance military cooperation and intelligence sharing.
• Boost Military Support: Provide adequate equipment, ammunition, and training to security forces fighting Boko Haram, while addressing issues of fatigue and low morale among troops.
• Conduct Speedy Trials: Ensure fair and swift trials for Boko Haram suspects under Islamic law to deter potential recruits and demonstrate the government’s commitment to justice.
• Offer Amnesty: Consider offering amnesty to moderate Boko Haram members who renounce violence, while neutralizing hardliners.

Long-term Solutions

• Address Root Causes: Tackle poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation, which contribute to the appeal of extremist ideologies.
• Promote Economic Development: Implement initiatives that foster economic growth, improve infrastructure, and create jobs, reducing the vulnerability of young people to radicalization.
• Rebuild Communities: Support communities affected by Boko Haram violence through psycho-social support, economic empowerment, and infrastructure reconstruction.
• Counter Extremist Ideology: Develop programs to counter Boko Haram’s ideology, promoting tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among different communities.

Additional Measures

• Ministry of Northern Affairs: Establish a ministry to address the unique challenges faced by the northern region, including poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy.
• Marshall Plan for Northeast: Implement a comprehensive plan to rebuild and develop the northeast region, providing quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to build trust, promote peaceful coexistence, and support the reintegration of former Boko Haram fighters.

– Benjamin Ibrahim, a retired Permanent Secretary, writes from Lokoja.