Conflict and security analyst Bulama Bukarti has cautioned the Federal Government against prematurely declaring victory in the fight against terrorism, despite recent successes in eliminating senior leaders of Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups.
Bukarti made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, on Friday, 3 July, 2026 where he commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the military, and other security agencies for sustained operations that have led to the deaths of several terrorist commanders.
While acknowledging the government’s achievements, Bukarti pointed to Nigeria’s past experience as a reminder that the death of a terrorist leader does not necessarily mark the end of an insurgency.
Recalling events that followed the killing of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf in 2009, Bukarti said: “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.”
According to the security analyst, the aftermath of Yusuf’s death demonstrated that extremist groups can reorganise, recruit new members, and return with greater intensity if the underlying conditions that fuel insurgency are not addressed.
He stressed that military victories should be accompanied by long-term strategies focused on intelligence, governance, community engagement, and preventing radicalisation….See More
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