Boko Haram’s latest Assault on the village of Molai, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, shows that the terrorist group’s efforts in Nigeria continue to be successful — and there seems to be no end to their horrific actions. On Sunday, the 16th of December, dozens of villages were forced to flee their homes as the terrorist group ripped through the village shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze — which by now should not be uncommon for northern Nigeria. Dozens of residents looked for safety and refuge at in a village some 3 km away from the attacked village.

“Many are currently fleeing for their lives,” a resident said. “A village is under attack as I am speaking to you and the smoke can be seen from Molai.”

There are reports that suggest the city of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, was under attack also — once again proving BH’s strengths and capabilities within the region. Boko Haram has released pictures from videos showing their latest victory over the Nigerian armed forces. Striking fear into the population and lowering the morale of the armed forces.

Boko Haram in northern Nigeria has shown tremendous ability to be able to operate freely and relatively unhindered by the Nigerian armed forces. In terms of terrorist group activity in Africa, Boko Haram is unmatched in their ability to strike their foe. Whilst some will interpret this latest assault as a mere skirmish, we must not underestimate the significance of these smaller attacks. The fact that Boko Haram can indeed carry out these attacks on civilians when they wish and however they please should send major alarm bells to the West, the UN, Nigeria, and its neighbours.

I myself have been involved in talks with military officials in Nigeria on how to squash Boko Haram’s capabilities in the north. Thus far I’ve proven unsuccessful; the central government seems to not take this threat seriously. There are indeed means and ways to stop Boko Haram, but we must start thinking outside of the conventional box.

We can no longer rely on US capabilities, UK capabilities, and NATO capabilities to put a stop to terrorism in Nigeria. The country can indeed afford to strengthen its capabilities using private entities. We’ve seen a very successful campaign led by STTEPs International — only for the new presidency to come in and put an end to their successful operations.

I can’t in good conscience understand why the Nigerian government has yet to phone STTEPs International and reintegrate the old programme that proved very beneficial during its time. If it was implemented over a longer period, it would undoubtedly lower — if not completely destroy — BK’s capabilities.

The reality is the government is ultimately to blame for every loss of life that has happened this year and the year before. They need to start making drastic changes to how they are intending to fight Boko Haram. Whatever strategy they have going now it clearly has a little to zero effect on BK’s capabilities. With Presidential elections next year, I hope that the new government will see the reality of the situation in the north. Understand that there needs to be a new dynamic approach and shed the old ways. If Boko Haram can continue, then the northern Nigerian population will spend another year under constant assault and many innocent lives will be lost for no good reason.

Any government would do best to take care of such a threat. Quite clearly, the current regime and current government in Nigeria is a failed one. If I could speak to the presidency directly, I would inform them they have failed their duties and failed their people! To the new presidency — as there is no way this old one will retain its power — I would say to think outside the box employ new tactics take extreme measures. Do whatever it takes to protect your civilian population, do whatever it takes to protect your military, defend your country and don’t listen to any outside nonsense that might suggest otherwise.