The recent abduction of nearly 300 school girls has focused international attention on one of the main challenges to security in Nigeria - insurgency.

LONDON, UK, May 9, 2014 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The abduction that resulted in the Bring Back Our Girls campaign took place in Borno state, Northeast Nigeria on the 14th of April 2014. The abduction was claimed by the notorious insurgent group Boko Haram. It is one of a series of atrocities that have been unleashed on civilians across Nigeria, and is emblematic of ongoing challenges to improved security in Nigeria. Despite the resources already committed to tackling the Boko Haram insurgency from a broad number of stakeholders, there is a need to understand that the insurgency is complex. Furthermore, as bad as the insurgency is, there is ample scope for it to get worse if action by well-meaning observers and stakeholders is not preceded by careful thought.

The insurgency in Nigeria has been a beneficiary of other similar situations across the African continent, and it is important for all stakeholders to ensure that mistakes made in other countries do not repeat themselves in Nigeria. The example of Mali, where a serious rebellion in the North resulted in the creation of a state run by extremists after the national chain of command became seriously compromised, is instructive here. In addition to ensuring that life returns to normal in all states impacted by insurgency, it is probably even more important that all efforts are made to contain the Boko Haram insurgency and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring countries and other states of Nigeria, as this would result in an even greater threat to peace and security in Africa.

Think Security Africa (TSA) is an independent think tank specializing in security in Africa. The core mission of TSA is to improve understanding of security in Africa, and engage in objective research into the causes and potential solutions to insecurity across Africa. TSA’s resources are used by governments, inter-governmental organizations, journalists and business to assist with their Africa-focused missions.

Joel Tavon
Think Security Africa
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