Publication

The Nigerian government’s attempts to address the threat posed by Boko Haram have so far taken two forms – direct military confrontation and covert interactions with the militant Islamic group. This Policy Brief argues that while the military response has been uncompromising and partly self-defeating, negotiations with Boko Haram have also proved ineffective. This is primarily attributed to the government's inability to coordinate its efforts fully with other important stakeholders in northern Nigeria. Moreover, the brief also argues that while government initiatives may persuade some elements of Boko Haram to stop fighting, they are unlikely to change the minds of more radical and committed group members.