Under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the approach to solving the decades-long insurgency (often referred to as "jihadist" movements like Boko Haram and ISWAP) has shifted toward a "holistic" strategy. The current policy, reflected in the 2026 Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Resilience, moves away from purely military engagement toward a mix of intelligence-led operations and social "non-kinetic" interventions.
Here is how Nigeria is currently attempting to solve this crisis:
1. The "New National Counter-Terrorism Doctrine"
President Tinubu recently unveiled a redesigned security architecture. The goal is a unified command where the Army, Air Force, and intelligence agencies (like the DSS and NIA) share real-time data rather than operating in silos.
Technological Surveillance: Increased investment in drones and satellite imagery to track movements in the Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad islands.
Targeting the Network: The doctrine explicitly classifies not just fighters, but also financiers, informants, and ransom negotiators as terrorists to cut off the lifeblood of these groups.
2. The "Pulaku" Solution (Non-Kinetic Strategy)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has championed the "Pulaku" initiative (a Fulani term for "honor/manliness"). This acknowledges that poverty and a lack of opportunity are the primary recruiting tools for extremists.
Infrastructure & Jobs: Building schools, hospitals, and housing in the most affected northern regions to win "hearts and minds."
Resettlement: Moving Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their ancestral lands with government protection to restore local economies.
3. Regional Cooperation (Lake Chad Basin)
As of early 2026, Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Border Security: Collaborative patrols with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon are being intensified to prevent insurgents from fleeing across borders when pressured by the Nigerian military.
The "Babani" Leadership: Nigeria recently secured the appointment of Ambassador Ibrahim Babani as the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to spearhead regional stabilization.
4. Exploiting Insurgent Infighting
A major part of the current "solution" is actually a natural development the government is exploiting: the civil war between JAS (Boko Haram) and ISWAP.
Defection Programs: The government is expanding programs for "repentant" fighters. Thousands have surrendered because they are caught between the military and rival insurgent factions.
Intelligence Infiltration: Using defectors to gain deep intelligence on the remaining leadership structures of both factions.
5. Judicial Reform
The administration is reopening the trials of thousands of terrorism suspects who have been in detention for years. By fast-tracking these cases, the government aims to:
Show that there are legal consequences for insurgency.
Clear the backlog of innocent people who were caught in sweeps, which helps reduce local resentment toward the state.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite these efforts, significant hurdles remain:
Economic Strain: The cost of the ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget is massive, and if the economy doesn't stabilize, the "non-kinetic" (poverty-fighting) side of the strategy may lack funding.
Adaptability: Insurgent groups are increasingly moving into banditry and kidnapping for ransom to fund themselves as their international ties weaken.
Transparency: There is ongoing pressure for the military to be more accountable for civilian safety during airstrikes and ground operations.
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