Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram is a critical issue, and a security expert is sounding the alarm. Instead of jumping to declare a formal ‘war,’ which he argues actually gives the terrorist group more power and legitimacy, the nation needs to focus on concrete actions. This isn’t just talk; it’s about strategy and practical steps to secure the country.
Why Declaring ‘War’ Backfires
Speaking with ARISE NEWS, former Nigerian Air Force spokesperson and security consultant Sadiq Shehu laid out a compelling case against formally declaring war on Boko Haram. He pointed out that such a declaration, while sounding strong, actually legitimizes the insurgency on a global stage. This means other nations might feel compelled to ‘support’ the group, muddying the waters and complicating Nigeria’s efforts. Shehu emphasized that the armed forces are often better off focusing on tactical operations without the baggage of a formal war declaration.
State of Emergency vs. Declaration of War: What’s the Difference?
Many Nigerians often confuse a ‘state of emergency’ with a ‘declaration of war.’ Shehu clarified this crucial distinction. A state of emergency grants the President special powers to act swiftly, even bypassing some usual legal procedures, which can be essential in crisis situations. He recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in 2009. This move allowed the federal government to take on powers usually held by state governors, giving the military more freedom to operate effectively against the insurgents. It’s about empowering action, not necessarily formalizing a conflict.
The Perils of International Law in Insurgency
Beyond just legitimacy, a formal declaration of war brings international law into play. Shehu highlighted that international conventions, like the Geneva Conventions, would then apply. This means increased scrutiny on military operations, including potential oversight for war crimes. Such legal complexities can significantly hinder the flexibility and effectiveness of the armed forces. Countries like Colombia and Ethiopia have successfully battled insurgencies for years without resorting to a formal declaration of war, proving that other effective strategies exist.
Nigeria’s Current Approach: A Call for More Action
Shehu expressed concern that successive Nigerian governments, including the current administration, haven’t taken the fight against Boko Haram with the seriousness it demands. He noted that despite 15 years of insurgency, the Nigerian armed forces haven’t seen significant growth in terms of recruitment and resources. The ‘whole-of-society’ approach, which involves all sectors of society contributing to the solution, is also lacking. This inertia, he believes, stems from political hesitancy. Politicians may fear the political consequences of actions like declaring a state of emergency, which can impact sub-national governments. However, Shehu argued that such political considerations should not halt necessary action.
Moving Forward: Action Over Announcements
The expert’s message is clear: Nigeria needs to prioritize tangible actions that strengthen its security capacity. Instead of focusing on grand announcements like declaring war or even a state of emergency, the government should concentrate on mobilizing the armed forces, improving their capabilities, and genuinely taking the fight to the insurgents. He pointed out that the armed forces have grown very little since the insurgency started, questioning what a state of emergency would even look like in practice given these limitations.
Key Takeaways:
- Declaring ‘war’ on Boko Haram grants them legitimacy and international recognition.
- A state of emergency provides extra powers for swift action without a formal declaration of war.
- International law complexities arise with a formal declaration of war, potentially hindering operations.
- Nigeria’s armed forces need significant growth in recruitment and resources.
- Focus should be on practical capacity building and action, not symbolic pronouncements.
Ultimately, Sadiq Shehu’s advice is a wake-up call for Nigeria. The nation must shift its focus from rhetoric to robust, strategic action to effectively combat the ongoing insurgency and ensure lasting peace and security.
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