The Nigerian army has recaptured all of the major towns occupied by Boko Haram in recent months, and rescued nearly 1,000 kidnapped women and children. It claims to have destroyed several of the militants’ camps, pursued the group into the Sambisa forest and arrested those suspected of supplying thme with food and fuel.

Isolated attacks have continued, but after more than five years of torment, the insurgents seem to have been transformed from the hunters to the hunted. It is now Boko Haram fighters who are fleeing, with the army in pursuit. Recently released footage shows militants running away in disarray from aerial bombardments by the Nigerian air force.

Only five months ago Boko Haram was wreaking havoc in the north east, seemingly able to launch attacks at will after having captured an area about the same size as Belgium.

A failure to stop militants played a part in the political downfall of Goodluck Jonathan, the first Nigerian president to lose an election, amid promises by his challenger Muhammadu Buhari to “crush” the insurgency.

Relations between the previous commander and his men were so poor that enraged troops opened fire on him
Yet even before Buhari’s inauguration, the military seems to have turned a corner in its fight against Boko Haram.

The recent rescue of hundreds of women and children was a watershed. Although hostages have escaped from Boko Haram captivity before, they did so of their own volition. This was the first time that the army had rescued hostages in significant numbers. Some of the women claimed that their former captors had complained of battle fatigue and of being under-equipped – complaints formerly heard from soldiers.

Also it seems Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau has been uncharacteristically quiet of late – not having released any of his customary propaganda videos since March.

[b]After failing for so long, how has the army managed this turnaround? Although many factors played a part, perhaps the most obvious has been a ruthless crackdown on dissent within the military itself.

After being stung by reports that some soldiers had refused to fight Boko Haram or had “tactically retreated” from battle, chief of army staff Lt-General Kenneth Minimah ordered that deserters be court-martialled. More than 60 were sentenced to death. He rejected complaints about being poorly equipped, arguing that “It is the soldier that fights, not the equipment”.
His tough tactics appear to have worked. Soldiers now say they would rather fight Boko Haram, that confront “that mad man [Minimah]”.

A change of command also helped. Since taking charge of the division in charge of combatting Boko Haram less than five months ago, Major-General Lamidi Adeosun has provided charismatic leadership and is respected by his men – unlike his predecessors.

Relations between the former commander and his men were so poor that enraged troops opened fire on him last May, blaming him for a botched night-time operation that led to several of their colleagues being killed.

In contrast, Adeosun personally led his men into battle in a recent operation. The new commander has quietly got on with the job with little fanfare, implementing more aggressive tactics to take the fight to the enemy.[/b]

But the army’s gains on the battlefield have inadvertently exposed the magnitude of the task still ahead. The fact that the military rescued nearly 1,000 women and children and yet not one of the nearly 300 kidnapped Chibok teenagers was among them demonstrates just how many people are being held.

The rescued hostages, including children fathered by ​Boko Haram ​insurgents, may struggle to be accepted
An intermediary who entered Boko Haram’s camp last year to negotiate the Chibok girls’ release was shocked to find their presence dwarfed by other captives. The teenagers may represent less than 10% of the total number of hostages held by the militants, amid estimates that more than 3,000 other teenagers have been kidnapped.

Boko Haram kidnaps, rapes, and impregnates female abductees not just to sow terror but also to replenish its ranks. More than 200 of the women recently rescued are pregnant, and several of the rescued children were born and raised in Boko Haram’s stronghold in the Sambisa forest.

It is clear that the Islamic militants will not just disappear, no matter how successful the army is militarily. There is no magic bullet that will end the insurgency and nothing short of a comprehensive armistice deal will neutralise its ability to give the army a bloody nose from time to time.

Military force is the means, but not the end. All it can do is buy enough breathing room for the government to devise comprehensive solutions. For that, eyes will turn to Buhari’s new government taking office on 29 May.

The last time the army inflicted heavy losses on Boko Haram, in 2009, the government relaxed and thought the conflict was over. The militants laid low, re-armed, regrouped, and returned more deadly than before. The government must learn from this missed opportunity.

The conflict is entering a phase where it needs to be fought not just with bombs and guns, but also by addressing the consequences of the insurgency. Those raped or rendered refugees or orphans by Boko Haram need rehabilitation and support. The rescued hostages, including children fathered by insurgents, may not be accepted back in their communities. The group’s indoctrination was so effective that some of the women captives opened fire on the soldiers who came to free them. Some who escaped captivity in the past were sent away by their families in order to escape stigmatisation.

Also, even if Boko Haram agrees to lay down its weapons, the level of hostility towards the group means that security forces may have to protect former insurgents from score-settling attacks by their victims.

Nigeria may win the war, but could find that winning the peace will require different tactics.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/21/nigeria-boko-haram-buhari
Cc lalasticlala

The title to some extent is misleading, attempting to portray the actions of all due to one person, much praise must be given to Minimah for his insistence on discipline that restored the army

Misleading title op seems like you are trying to bait the tribal warlords, much praise to the troops and especially to Minimah

Hail Mininmah and his stance on mutiners in the millitary

LordVarys:
Misleading title op seems like you are trying to bait the tribal warlords, much praise to the troops and especially to Minimah

SenseiX:
The title to some extent is misleading, attempting to portray the actions of all due to one person, much praise must be given to Minimah for his insistence on discipline that restored the army

Not at all my intention, the title is reflective of the contents of the article.....

A change of command also helped. Since taking charge of the division in charge of combatting Boko Haram less than five months ago, Major-General Lamidi Adeosun has provided charismatic leadership and is respected by his men – unlike his predecessors.

Gave the job to the right man.

TheImp:


Not at all my intention, the title is reflective of the contents of the article.....

Hmm ok, won't be surprised if GMB makes Adeosun the next COAS, I Think Minimah would replace Badeh as CDS Since he largely stayed neutral during the elections and is respected by Amaechi, his kinsman

Another great yoruba soldier just like Benjamin adekunle.

^^^^ cc above just as I predicted the tribal warlords would show up

is that so?

IyaIode:
Another great yoruba soldier just like Benjamin adekunle.

Why not like Obasanjo?

LordVarys:
Misleading title op seems like you are trying to bait the tribal warlords, much praise to the troops and especially to Minimah

Jealousy

Face the facts. Minimah has been there at the helm of affairs all this while without much to write home about whilst Adeosun was just recently redeployed to Sambisa as the field commander during the six weeks postponement of the general elections.

Even a boss usually congratulates and applaud the effectiveness of his subordinates. The glory should be on the effective "subordinate" not the clueless boss that has been using trial by error tactics.

ozoigbondu:
Hail Mininmah and his stance on mutiners in the millitary

Adeosun was on the forefront with his boys despite being a superior officer whilst minimah was just issuing commands at the comfort of his bedroom.

Yet some chestbeaters will come here and rant about how Yorubas are cowards

vicadex07:


Adeosun was on the forefront with his boys despite being a superior officer whilst minimah was just issuing commands at the comfort of his bedroom.

Yet some chestbeaters will come here and rant about how Yorubas are cowards

l praised minimah because of this

After being stung by reports that some soldiers had refused to fight Boko Haram or had “tactically retreated” from battle, chief of army staff Lt-General Kenneth Minimah ordered that deserters be court-martialled. More than 60 were sentenced to death. He rejected complaints about being poorly equipped, arguing that “It is the soldier that fights, not the equipment”.
His tough tactics appear to have worked. Soldiers now say they would rather fight Boko Haram, that confront “that mad man [Minimah]”.

lf he had bowed to blackmail to free those mutinerrs soldiers will still be running from the front today.No matter how brave their commanding if a soldier knows that if he runs from battle and nothing happens to him he will run

ozoigbondu:
l praised minimah because of this lf he had bowed to blackmail to free those mutinerrs soldiers will still be running from the front today.No matter how brave their commanding if a soldier knows that if he runs from battle and nothing happens to him he will run

But its easier for him to order the court martial of deserters who were under equipped and faced direct onslaught of boko haram from the comfort of his room than another superior officer who decided to command his subordinates himself right from the field of battle.

vicadex07:


But its easier for him to order the court martial of deserters [b]who were under equipped [/b]and faced direct onslaught of boko haram from the comfort of his room than another superior officer who decided to command his subordinates himself right from the field of battle.

How do you know they are under eqquiped.Time and time again we hear soldiers ran away leaving their armoury to be looted.Never forget

“It is the soldier that fights, not the equipment”.

Like Adeosun like Adekunle

The black Scorpion of our time

I am not surprised about the exploit of the Yoruba General, history of yorubas in getting breakthrough in complex warfare abounds.

Even, the only victory by Biafra in the Nigerian civil war through capture of the midwest was by a Yoruba man who was recruited from captivity. Gowon also recruited a yoruba man from captivity to serve as his vice president during the war.

brownlord:

Why not like Obasanjo?

Yeah like obasanjo that chased Ojukwu enter cameroon

brownlord:

Why not like Obasanjo?

Yeah like obasanjo that chased Ojukwu enter cameroon

vicadex07:


Yeah like obasanjo that chased Ojukwu enter cameroon

You are a fool, did General coward obasanjo even get close to front line during Biafra war? Is it not same man that was reported to have ran to port harcourt to go fet imaginary weapons while his command was under fire?

And before you post your gibberish on my mention, I'm not ibo.

vicadex07:


Yeah like obasanjo that chased Ojukwu enter cameroon

Like you are using mtn 10 mb.

First quote 10:06 and another 10:09.

Na wah o

Let no one be under any illusions, the recent successes recorded are from the contracted white mercenaries from South Africa's outlawed all-white 32 Battalion (aka Buffalo battalion)..

Those well-trained, oldsoldiers are currently giving the boko boys a run for their money, as they are very conversant with the african bush and have no problem fighting alongside blacks as they cut thier teeth in the Angolan bush fighting alongside UNITA.

The only applaud, if any, that Nigerian General deserves is maybe he contracted them on behalf of the FGN

HopeAtHand:
Let no one be under any illusions, the recent successes recorded are from the contracted white mercenaries from South Africa's outlawed all-white 32 Battalion (aka Buffalo battalion)..

Those well-trained, oldsoldiers are currently giving the boko boys a run for their money, as they are very conversant with the african bush and have no problem fighting alongside blacks as they cut thier teeth in the Angolan bush fighting alongside UNITA.

The only applaud, if any, that Nigerian General deserves is maybe he contracted them on behalf of the FGN

let's hear word Mr Mercenary. Buffalo kor, Gorilla nih. .

I have to state it here that you are misleading people on this your assertions. Even the western media peddling the falsehood has NOT EVEN A SINGLE PICTORIAL/VIDEO EVIDENCE OR PROOF to support their claims. THERE ARE NO MERCENARY FIGHTING IN THE N.E OF NIGERIA.

In late last year, the FG contrated a Private Military Contractor (PMC) known as STTEP to help train a Special unit to go in the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls. They were given a 3month contract. But, as the war intensified with the capturing of towns and villages by Boko haram, the strategy changed from Rescue Mission to Elimination Training.
The head of STTEP, Col. Eeben Barlow, with his crew trained a unit known as the 72nd Strike Force. These Strike Force were trained to engage RELENTLESS pursuit and engagement of boko haram i.e they fired relentless and pursue fleeing terrorist relentlessly- a tactic developed to suppress enemy firepower. The strike force were trained to eat while on motion. Their guns never lack bullets. Meaning if bokoharam engaged them for 35hours, they have the resources to engage them and weaken them. That is the Training STTEP led by the South African Col. Eeben Barlow gave to the Strike Force that effect a change. Their contract ended in March and wasn't renewned. So mr man, STOP SPEWING RUBBISH AND TRASH ALL OVER THE PLACE. There are no mercenary(white or black, buffalo or ape) fighting in Nigeria. The only mercenary is from your Imagination.
This will help you alot :
https://beegeagle./2015/05/14/south-african-mercenaries-and-nigeria-chairman-of-sttep-colonel-eeben-barlow-speaks-to-the-beegeagles-blog-community-on-on-pervasive-false-narratives/
and this : https://beegeagle./2015/05/18/colonel-barlow-chairman-of-sttep-refutes-claims-by-soldier-of-fortune-magazine-that-mercs-played-a-role-in-the-rescue-of-sambisa-hostages/

IyaIode:
Another great yoruba soldier just like Benjamin adekunle.

And obasanjo who collected their surrender and banjo, d most successful Biafra officer....Yorubas .........always shining....

vicadex07:


Adeosun was on the forefront with his boys despite being a superior officer whilst minimah was just issuing commands at the comfort of his bedroom.

Yet some chestbeaters will come here and rant about how Yorubas are cowards

ok.we have seen 1 brave yoruba man today.
U can now clap for yourselves.

Adeosun's pix

Vikkie14:
let's hear word Mr Mercenary. Buffalo kor, Gorilla nih. .

I have to state it here that you are misleading people on this your assertions. Even the western media peddling the falsehood has NOT EVEN A SINGLE PICTORIAL/VIDEO EVIDENCE OR PROOF to support their claims. THERE ARE NO MERCENARY FIGHTING IN THE N.E OF NIGERIA.

In late last year, the FG contrated a Private Military Contractor (PMC) known as STTEP to help train a Special unit to go in the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls. They were given a 3month contract. But, as the war intensified with the capturing of towns and villages by Boko haram, the strategy changed from Rescue Mission to Elimination Training.
The head of STTEP, Col. Eeben Barlow, with his crew trained a unit known as the 72nd Strike Force. These Strike Force were trained to engage RELENTLESS pursuit and engagement of boko haram i.e they fired relentless and pursue fleeing terrorist relentlessly- a tactic developed to suppress enemy firepower. The strike force were trained to eat while on motion. Their guns never lack bullets. Meaning if bokoharam engaged them for 35hours, they have the resources to engage them and weaken them. That is the Training STTEP led by the South African Col. Eeben Barlow gave to the Strike Force that effect a change. Their contract ended in March and wasn't renewned. So mr man, STOP SPEWING RUBBISH AND TRASH ALL OVER THE PLACE. There are no mercenary(white or black, buffalo or ape) fighting in Nigeria. The only mercenary is from your Imagination.
This will help you alot :
https://beegeagle./2015/05/14/south-african-mercenaries-and-nigeria-chairman-of-sttep-colonel-eeben-barlow-speaks-to-the-beegeagles-blog-community-on-on-pervasive-false-narratives/
and this : https://beegeagle./2015/05/18/colonel-barlow-chairman-of-sttep-refutes-claims-by-soldier-of-fortune-magazine-that-mercs-played-a-role-in-the-rescue-of-sambisa-hostages/

Keep exposing your naivety.

You and your lots created a thread to glorify one of ur own but have made a very awful analysis of the real circumstances.You're simply looking for credit where none exists, the true warriors are the White SAfrican mercenaries who have routed dem BH boys by dogged and daring attacks...This is NL, just be diligent and search for the thread where Buhari made a statement to that fact.

Your brothers usually flee the hotspots with bullets in their as*, and thats a fact.

dokyOloye:
ok.we have seen 1 brave yoruba man today. U can now clap for yourselves.

Thank you, but I have never seen one brave ibo

Vikkie14:
let's hear word Mr Mercenary. Buffalo kor, Gorilla nih. .

I have to state it here that you are misleading people on this your assertions. Even the western media peddling the falsehood has NOT EVEN A SINGLE PICTORIAL/VIDEO EVIDENCE OR PROOF to support their claims. THERE ARE NO MERCENARY FIGHTING IN THE N.E OF NIGERIA.

In late last year, the FG contrated a Private Military Contractor (PMC) known as STTEP to help train a Special unit to go in the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls. They were given a 3month contract. But, as the war intensified with the capturing of towns and villages by Boko haram, the strategy changed from Rescue Mission to Elimination Training.
The head of STTEP, Col. Eeben Barlow, with his crew trained a unit known as the 72nd Strike Force. These Strike Force were trained to engage RELENTLESS pursuit and engagement of boko haram i.e they fired relentless and pursue fleeing terrorist relentlessly- a tactic developed to suppress enemy firepower. The strike force were trained to eat while on motion. Their guns never lack bullets. Meaning if bokoharam engaged them for 35hours, they have the resources to engage them and weaken them. That is the Training STTEP led by the South African Col. Eeben Barlow gave to the Strike Force that effect a change. Their contract ended in March and wasn't renewned. So mr man, STOP SPEWING RUBBISH AND TRASH ALL OVER THE PLACE. There are no mercenary(white or black, buffalo or ape) fighting in Nigeria. The only mercenary is from your Imagination.
This will help you alot :
https://beegeagle./2015/05/14/south-african-mercenaries-and-nigeria-chairman-of-sttep-colonel-eeben-barlow-speaks-to-the-beegeagles-blog-community-on-on-pervasive-false-narratives/
and this : https://beegeagle./2015/05/18/colonel-barlow-chairman-of-sttep-refutes-claims-by-soldier-of-fortune-magazine-that-mercs-played-a-role-in-the-rescue-of-sambisa-hostages/

Are you a soldier?

vicadex07:


Adeosun was on the forefront with his boys despite being a superior officer whilst minimah was just issuing commands at the comfort of his bedroom.

Yet some chestbeaters will come here and rant about how Yorubas are cowards

dnt mind d odious and coward igbos dey are jealous of yoruba prowess and dexterity in battle Igbos we always be slaves to we the Yorubas anyday anytime