Chibok: Waiting for the Americans

The rebellious streak in Boko Haram was allowed to strengthen, probably because the government underestimated the group’s preparedness, or thought a small force would simply crush them. The elders of the affected area foresaw the dangers posed by the group and offered to dialogue with its leaders. Many people offered to assist. Some individuals even […]

The rebellious streak in Boko Haram was allowed to strengthen, probably because the government underestimated the group’s preparedness, or thought a small force would simply crush them. The elders of the affected area foresaw the dangers posed by the group and offered to dialogue with its leaders. Many people offered to assist. Some individuals even went far in their effort to contain the situation through secret talks with the group, only for the government to publically reveal the secret. That infuriated group and the talks ended abruptly.
Pressure from the North persuaded the government to set up a rather weak dialogue committee, and at the same time stepped up the use of force. Some prominent Northerners like Paul Unongo voiced the opinion on his preference for dialogue.
However, the Christian group CAN was against any dialogue.  In the end the, CAN’s voice sounded better to the president, hence the deployment of the soldiers into Borno started in earnest and use of force escalated day by day, with no tangible success. The insurgency from all indications has remained a problem to this government. The problem reached its peak with the recent bombs blasts in Abuja and the serial abductions of school girls.  Now the government has admitted it is incapable of arresting the situation. Do the president has invited US help. The US may put boots (or special forces personnel) on Nigerian soil, but has the government defined what role they will play? How long will their operation last? And who will lead the operation, a Nigerian officer or a US General? These questions need answers.
Sabo Abdullahi, [email protected]