In a shocking revelation that could reshape our understanding of Nigeria's security landscape, former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau has pinpointed a critical police error as the primary catalyst for the devastating Boko Haram insurgency.
The Fatal Mistake That Ignited a Crisis
Speaking at the launch of "Boko Haram: Religion and Politics in Security" by Major General Sarkin-Yaki Bello, Dambazau detailed how the Nigerian police's mishandling of Mohammed Yusuf's death in 2009 created the perfect storm for terrorism to flourish.
"The police killed Yusuf and handed his body to the military," Dambazau explained, "but when the military attempted to return it, the police refused to accept responsibility. This created a leadership vacuum that allowed more radical elements to seize control of the movement."
From Local Sect to Global Terror Threat
The consequences of this administrative failure were catastrophic. What began as a religious sect transformed into one of Africa's deadliest terrorist organizations, with the crisis spreading across Nigeria's Northeast and into neighboring countries.
Dambazau, who also served as Minister of Interior, emphasized the importance of understanding these root causes: "We must examine the remote and immediate causes of insecurity to effectively prevent future crises."
Academic Support for Critical Analysis
Professor Muthoni Mwangi of the National Defence College endorsed this approach, stating that proper diagnosis of security challenges is essential for developing effective solutions. The book being launched provides precisely this type of in-depth analysis needed for policymakers and security agencies.
Beyond Military Solutions
The former army chief stressed that addressing security threats requires more than just military might. "We need comprehensive strategies that include political solutions and address the underlying drivers of conflict," Dambazau asserted.
This revelation comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, offering valuable lessons for current security operations and future conflict prevention.
