The Nigerian military's approach to countering insurgency in the Northeast has been a subject of debate among experts. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, recently argued that local ownership is crucial to defeating Boko Haram. He noted that many perpetrators of the insurgency originate from Borno and Yobe states, implying that the people of these states must take responsibility.
Oluyede's assertion aligns with contemporary counterinsurgency thinking, which emphasizes the importance of legitimacy, intelligence, and civilian cooperation in defeating non-state actors. In the context of Borno and Yobe, local ownership is not just desirable but essential. Communities in these states possess valuable knowledge of the terrain, social networks, and suspicious movements that can aid security forces.
The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has played a significant role in identifying Boko Haram members and supporting military campaigns. However, the concept of local ownership extends beyond intelligence-sharing. It implies that communities actively reject insurgent ideology, deny recruits, and participate in rebuilding governance structures.
The framing of responsibility by Oluyede has raised concerns that it may shift attention away from systemic shortcomings. Weak governance, chronic poverty, corruption, and decades of underinvestment in the Northeast created fertile ground for extremist movements. By emphasizing local ownership without equal emphasis on state accountability, the narrative risks becoming a subtle form of strategic deflection.
The Nigerian military's emphasis on local ownership is a welcome development, but it must be accompanied by a genuine commitment to addressing the structural drivers of insurgency in the Northeast. The Chief of Defence Staff's framing of responsibility risks victim-blaming and deflecting attention from the state's failures. It is essential that the government acknowledges its role in creating an environment conducive to extremist movements and takes concrete steps to address poverty, corruption, and institutional fragility in the region. By doing so, the military can build trust with local communities and create a more effective counterinsurgency strategy. The people of Borno and Yobe deserve a comprehensive approach that addresses their needs and holds those in power accountable.
