Former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has said that Nigeria must strategize with other neighbouring countries to defeat the Boko Haram insurgency saying that Nigeria cannot defeat the insurgents on its own.
According to Sheriff who was Governor when the Boko Haram insurgency came to the fore, strong cooperation with neighboring countries is essential for long-term peace in the North-Eastern region.
Sheriff made these remarks during an interview, where he emphasized that Nigeria cannot tackle insurgency alone. “What should be done is that we have to have a proper relationship with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger,” he said.
Reflecting on his time as Governor from 2003 to 2011, Sheriff said many people wrongly believed the Boko Haram threat was limited to Borno State. He pointed out that even the former Governor of Yobe State did not fully understand the situation.
“Even my next-door neighbour, then Governor of Yobe State, did not believe this had nothing to do with the people of Borno,” he noted.
He explained that the conflict had foreign roots, as Borno shares open land borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. According to him, external actors were influencing events in Nigeria by funding local groups under the guise of religion.
Sheriff also commented on the current economic challenges in the country. While acknowledging that many Nigerians are suffering, he advised against placing the blame on one individual.
Meanwhile, Nigerian security efforts continue. Since the current administration took over in May 2023, more than 13,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have been killed, and around 124,000 have surrendered, according to the National Security Adviser.