A decline in piracy has pushed criminals toward hostage-taking, creating a growing ransom economy in the ocean region from Nigeria to Gabon.
Remote and poorly resourced outposts are soft targets for attacks, and a weak point in regional counter-terrorism efforts.
ISWAP’s hunt for resources is eroding the ability of communities in northern Cameroon to withstand economic hardship.
Durable solutions to end deadly attacks in Benue State will remain elusive if the crisis continues to be misdiagnosed.
The two countries must cooperate to stop Boko Haram from taking advantage of open borders to revive their operations.
ISWAP’s enhanced operations and use of drone attacks represent a turning point for counter-terrorism in the region.
Driven initially by extremist ideology, the kidnappings have become ransom-seeking operations by cross-border criminal groups.
Niger has suspended its participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force, and Chad has threatened to withdraw.
Bola Tinubu’s visit to SA underscores the potential, and the problems, of South Africa-Nigeria relations.
Specific measures are needed to prevent Boko Haram from regrouping and gaining ground.
Boko Haram factions continually adapt to new counter-terrorism tactics, so strategies must be flexible and systematic.
As the terrorist group’s relations with civilians deteriorate, governments should use the opportunity to rebuild trust with affected communities.
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