The videos and photographs coming out of northeastern Nigeria tell the story. The poor inhabitants, who have to live under Boko’s scattered caliphate can attest to Boko Haram’s military might. For it is the northeastern communities in Nigeria who have had to stay put and witness government soldiers running away when Boko decides to turn up the heat.
About two days ago we witnessed some political drama when the Nigerian ambassador to the US claimed that Nigeria could defeat Boko Haram more quickly, if the US sold requested heavy weaponry to Nigeria.
Normally, such a declaration would come as a result of deliberate and calculated political decision-making towards a specific objective. But, alas politics in today’s Nigeria does not always make sense.
Just contemplate for a moment, the state of affairs in Nigeria today, if Nigerian Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye can come out to recklessly employ this kind of “deflective politics.” Why should the lack of any weaponry from the US prevent the Nigerian military force from dealing decisively with Boko Haram?
The last time I checked, Nigeria was deploying private jets around the world to secure whatever arms it needed.
Of course, the entire matter raised by the ambassador was promptly laid to rest the following day when US State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, set the record straight insisting the US had been selling all kinds of arms to Nigeria in the last six months, with the exception of Cobra attack helicopters. Obviously no one wants to chance seeing Boko Haram gain aerial military capabilities in the event a helicopter should, for one reason or the other, malfunction and land in the hands of Boko Haram.
And don’t for one moment think that could not happen. After all, have you seen the propagandist videos being released by Boko Haram? The other day, I came across one such video, where a tank in Boko Haram’s arsenal was skillfully performing donuts (spinning around while stationery) to the glee of fellow militants, many of whom were dangerously clinging onto the machine during the stunt.
In fact, the tank I referred to in the last paragraph is just that- a small tank. We have witnessed Boko Haram group using a monstrous vehicle called The Sarge- a machine I didn’t even know existed.
If you doubt me ask the Nigerian soldiers who claimed to have “recaptured” one of these monsters in one of their battles.
Seemingly, Boko Haram appears to be very resourceful in putting all kinds of military hardware to use, courtesy of fleeing Nigerian soldiers.
The videos and photographs coming out of northeastern Nigeria tell the story. The poor inhabitants, who have to live under Boko’s scattered caliphate can attest to Boko Haram’s military might. For it is the northeastern communities in Nigeria who have had to stay put and witness government soldiers running away when Boko decides to turn up the heat.
All you have to do is watch a propaganda video to know what is happening in some people’s lives today. Recently, I viewed a video where local residents from a Boko Haram-captured town were asked to offer their views on their new self-appointed leadership. One by one, resident’s reluctantly stepped forward to express their gratitude and happiness at the very unfortunate circumstance they found themselves in.
One resident even offered personal prayers to his terrorist masters. Indeed, I would do the same to keep my loved ones out of immediate harm’s way, if I woke up tomorrow in some Boko Haram strong-hold.
Unfortunately, this is the reality for thousands of people living in northeastern Nigeria today.
In parting, let me remind us all to something unimaginable that happened only a few months ago when credible information emerged that The Islamic State In Syria and Iraq (ISIS) had commandeered warplanes and was flying them.
That’s right folks! It has happened elsewhere.
The writer is Sami Disu. Follow him on twitter: @disusami