The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that Boko Haram has been “significantly degraded” and is now “standing on its last leg.”
Idris made these remarks during an interview with France24, emphasizing that the insurgent group is no longer in control of territories in northeastern Nigeria, such as local governments, towns, and cities. “They’ve largely dissipated; they’ve run into the bushes, and now they target softer, more vulnerable positions,” he explained.
He clarified, however, that while Boko Haram has not been entirely eradicated, the group no longer poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security. “We’ve degraded Boko Haram to the point that it no longer presents a major challenge to our country,” he added.
For over a decade, Boko Haram’s insurgency has wreaked havoc in northeastern Nigeria, marked by violent attacks, kidnappings, and the displacement of countless civilians. The group, which seeks to establish an Islamic state, had previously seized control of several local government areas.
Recently, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum raised concerns over Boko Haram’s increasing ability to dislodge military forces from certain LGAs, indicating that the group still maintains a degree of operational capacity.
