Boko Haram Is a Guerrilla Force That’s Difficult to Defeat — Bulama Bukarti
November 7, 2025 | 5:02 PM
Security analyst Bulama Bukarti has described Boko Haram as a “guerrilla force that is difficult to defeat,” Reacting to the Donald Trump war threats to Nigeria, Bulama emphasizing the group’s resilience and Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to contain its violent insurgency.
Speaking in an interview with a National Television , Bukarti said the Nigerian government has, over the past decade, allocated billions of dollars to tackle insecurity and claimed to have reformed the country’s military and security architecture. However, he noted that the situation continues to deteriorate due to a combination of factors.
“Part of it is lack of good governance, part of it is corruption in the security procurement sector, and part of it is negligence by the government,” Bukarti explained. “But also, these are guerrilla groups that hit and run. It is not easy attacking such forces.”
He added that Nigeria’s vast ungoverned territories provide safe havens for these insurgent groups. “These terrorists find their enclaves in areas that have not been governed for many years. From there, they operate into cities and retreat back to their jungles,” he said.
Bukarti also commented on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks framing Nigeria as a country where Christians are being wiped out. He warned that such rhetoric could harm Nigeria’s internal religious harmony and strain relations with the United States.
“Boko Haram and other terrorist groups are common enemies of both Muslims and Christians,” Bukarti said. “The only way to defeat them is through unity. Trump’s narrative is dividing Nigerians further, and the only beneficiaries of such division are the terrorists.”
While acknowledging that U.S. military assistance — such as weapons, equipment, and training — could strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, Bukarti cautioned against unilateral U.S. intervention.
“The kind of action Trump suggested would only escalate matters,” he said. “The United States has had nasty experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. They shouldn’t repeat that mistake.”
Bukarti urged a more collaborative approach between the United States and Nigeria, emphasizing calm diplomacy and cooperation over social media declarations.
“The way forward is to work with the Nigerian government and affected communities, both Muslim and Christian,” he concluded. “Help is needed, but not through Twitter diplomacy.” Bulama Bukarti, is an Analyst and a conflict e.xpert Development in Africa .
