Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Boko Haram fighters at some point had more weapons than Nigerian soldiers, describing the insurgency as one of the most complex and enduring security threats in Nigeria’s history.
Jonathan spoke in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He said unlike other crises Nigeria had faced — such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious clashes — the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external backing, extremist ideology, and access to advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than many 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 noted that the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no cosmetic remedy could erase it from Nigeria’s collective memory.
Recalling his experience as vice president, Jonathan said his decision to engage Niger Delta militants directly — even visiting their camps without armed escorts — stemmed from his belief that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, we restored peace not only through military action but also by listening, engaging, and creating opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
He, however, stressed that Boko Haram posed a different kind of challenge, insisting that the insurgency must be tackled through a comprehensive strategy combining security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
“We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a holistic approach will deliver lasting peace,” he said.
Jonathan added that Nigeria must confront poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation in vulnerable communities to prevent extremist recruitment.
He commended Irabor for documenting his reflections, noting that the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, the lessons we must learn, and how to do better in the future,” he said.
The event drew dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, diplomats, and traditional rulers.
