Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that Boko Haram insurgents at one point possessed more weapons than the Nigerian military, describing the group’s activities as one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in the country’s history.
Jonathan made the remarks in Abuja during the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He noted that the insurgency not only threatened Nigeria’s sovereignty but also exposed the inadequacies of the country’s defence capabilities at the time.
“The Boko Haram crisis was so severe that at a point, insurgents had more sophisticated weapons than our soldiers. It remains one of the darkest chapters in our national history,” Jonathan said.
The former president commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experiences and insights into the fight against terrorism, stressing that such works are vital for preserving history and guiding future security strategies.
Boko Haram, which launched a violent insurgency in 2009, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East. Despite counter-insurgency efforts, the group and its splinter factions remain active.
