### Intensification of Boko Haram’s attacks: an analysis of the situation in northeast Nigeria
The increase in Boko Haram’s attacks in northeast Nigeria arouses renewed concern, both inside and outside the country. Since the beginning of the year, the frequency and intensity of militant incursions have raised questions about the efficiency of the armed forces and the strategy used to counter this threat. The last incident, which occurred in the village of Gajibo, cost the life of nine members of a local militia supporting the army, a tragedy that illustrates the persistent challenges that the country is faced in its fight against terrorism.
### A longtime conflict
Boko Haram, founded in 2009, opposes Western education and seeks to impose a radical version of Islamic law. This group was responsible for the deaths of nearly 35,000 civilians and has moved more than two million people, according to the United Nations data. Although its capacities have been weakened in key moments, recent developments show that it gradually finds the field.
### Strategic fragmentation
The group has experienced a fragmentation that generates new and complex dynamics. It is now divided into two main factions: the West African province of Islamic State (ISWAP) and Jama’Atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS). Iswap, supported by the Islamic State group, adopts sophisticated combat tactics, including night attacks and coordinated operations against military targets. In parallel, Jas focuses more on attacks on civilians and kidnappings, creating a generalized insecurity environment.
### Army’s logistical challenges
The Nigerian armed forces face a particularly difficult situation. The military bases suffer from a chronic lack of staff and resources, which makes them vulnerable to attacks. The reluctance to send reinforcements, in particular additional troops or air support, worsens this vulnerability. Veterans and local witnesses also indicate that former activists continue to operate in the shadows, thwarting the efforts of the security forces.
### Repercussions on the civilian population
The resurgence of Boko Haram does not only affect soldiers. Civilians, trapped in this conflict, are often the most affected. The fears of new kidnapping and violence make their daily lives particularly difficult. In this context, the call for better coordination between the different military units and a reflection on how to mobilize civil resources become crucial.
### A critical assessment of intervention strategies
Faced with this alarming situation, it is imperative to explore the possible solutions to strengthen the effectiveness of the fight against Boko Haram. Political and military leaders call for a strengthening of defense capacities, but how to guarantee that these reinforcements be used in a strategic and effective way? Reflection on a holistic approach, taking into account the socio-economic dimension of the problem, could also help stabilize the region in the long term.
### Conclusion: the struggle for stability
The war against Boko Haram is far from over. The combination of scalable tactics of the group and an under-arm army accentuates the complexity of the conflict. It is essential that all stakeholders – soldiers, civilians, government and non -governmental – collaborate and synthesize their efforts to stem this spiral of violence. More than just a question of military repression, it is a challenge to the deep roots that require nuanced and integrated responses. The stability of the region, and by extension of the country, will depend on this concerted approach in the months and years to come.