Conflict and security analyst Bulama Bukarti has cautioned the Federal Government against declaring victory too early in the fight against terrorism, despite recent operations that eliminated senior leaders of Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, July 3, 2026, Bukarti commended National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the military and other security agencies for their sustained counterterrorism efforts.
However, he warned that the death of terrorist leaders alone does not guarantee the end of an insurgency, citing the aftermath of the 2009 killing of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf.
“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.
He argued that Boko Haram later regrouped, recruited new members and returned with greater intensity, demonstrating the need for a broader strategy beyond military operations. Bukarti said lasting success requires intelligence-led operations, effective governance, community engagement and measures to prevent radicalisation alongside continued security efforts.
