Boko Haram Has Become Part of Nigerian Life, Warns Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s prolonged battle with insurgency, warning that Boko Haram has “virtually become part of our national life” after more than 15 years of conflict.

Obasanjo made the remarks on Friday while speaking at a public forum in Abuja, where he urged Nigerians and policymakers to critically reassess the nation’s security strategies.

He said the persistence of the insurgency highlights the need for urgent reflection on whether enough has been done to confront the menace.

“After 15 years, Boko Haram is virtually becoming part of our life. We must ask ourselves: have we been proactive enough? Have we tackled this monster the way we should?” Obasanjo asked.

While some media outlets highlighted his description of Boko Haram as a “monster” entrenched in daily life, others reported his insistence that the insurgency is driven less by politics or religion and more by poverty and lack of opportunity.

He stressed that young people who join such groups are often seeking “a better life,” underscoring the need to address socioeconomic conditions fueling insecurity.

Obasanjo further linked Boko Haram to other violent groups, arguing that insurgency and banditry are intertwined, and called for a holistic, national approach to security that goes beyond military force.

The former president’s warning comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings, despite successive governments committing vast resources to security operations.

His remarks have reignited debate on whether the country’s counter-insurgency efforts have been sufficiently effective or sustainable.