Prof. Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies
Prof. Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, has warned that Nigeria cannot resolve its security challenges without decisively neutralising Boko Haram.
Speaking Tuesday at a US congressional briefing convened by the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees, Obadare urged Washington to adopt a two-pronged approach: support the Nigerian military in dismantling Boko Haram and pressure Abuja to reform laws, including declaring Sharia provisions unconstitutional in northern states and disbanding Hisbah enforcement groups.
Obadare described Boko Haram as “the deadliest and most serious threat confronting the Nigerian state,” citing its campaign to overthrow the government and establish an Islamic caliphate. He stressed that any security strategy that neglects the group is “a non-starter.”
He noted that external pressure has historically prompted Nigeria to act, citing its designation as a Country of Particular Concern, Trump-era military threats, and President Bola Tinubu’s recent measures, including targeted air strikes, recruiting 30,000 additional police, and declaring a national security emergency.
The briefing, part of a congressional investigation into religious persecution and targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, included experts on foreign affairs and religious freedom.
A report is expected to recommend how Congress can support Nigeria in combating terrorism and safeguarding religious minorities.
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