A new report by security think tank Nextier SPD has revealed that more than 100 soldiers and 200 civilians were killed in Boko Haram-related attacks in Nigeria between November 2024 and April 2025.
The report, titled “Re-thinking Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Strategy: The Aftermath of the Boko Haram Resurgence,” warns of worsening insecurity and highlights the resurgence of Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, in the North East and border areas.
Authored by Dr. Ndu Nwokolo and Dr. Chibuike Njoku, the study recorded 252 attacks during the six-month period, with January 2025 seeing the deadliest spike — 92 deaths in a single month. It also noted increased use of IEDs, ambushes on military convoys, and attacks on IDP camps and farming communities.
The report said Boko Haram seized three local governments in Borno State, undermining state control and disrupting humanitarian efforts.
“Despite military campaigns, insurgents continue to evolve, exploiting weaknesses in security coordination and public trust,” it noted.
The authors also flagged rising fatigue among security personnel, increased abductions — especially in April 2025 — and worsening civil-military relations.
They criticized the federal government's overreliance on military force, saying current strategies have failed to tackle underlying issues like poverty, unemployment, and lack of basic services, which continue to fuel radicalisation.
The report urges a shift from reactive tactics to a more integrated strategy involving governance reforms, economic development, and community engagement.
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