The government of Borno State has declared that there has been a substantial decrease in the ideology of Boko Haram. It has been disclosed that more than 95% of those who held these ideas, especially the founding members, have either perished or given up. In an interview with Daily Trust, Brig. Gen. Ishaq Abdullahi (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Security Affairs to the Borno State Government, revealed that just about ten of the original founders may still be alive. He blamed the downturn on internal strife, problems with leadership, and other factors that resulted in the deaths of important officials.
Abdullahi highlighted the disarray within the leadership of the group, citing clashes between Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and Boko Haram insurgents loyal to the late Abubakar Shekau, who passed away in 2021. The power struggles resulted in fatalities, with top commanders succumbing to issues like snake bites, military actions, drowning during rainy seasons, and even in-fighting. The adviser emphasized that the remaining individuals associated with Boko Haram lack the original ideology, characterizing them as criminals.
The disclosure sheds light on the weakened state of the Boko Haram ideology, signaling a notable reduction in its influence and a shift toward criminal activities among those claiming association with the group.
He said: “One of their leaders said out of 300 of them that started the Boko Haram sect in pre-2009, less than 10 people could be alive now. Even the remaining 10 leaders have scattered due to the game of powers.
“Some are dead as a result of snake bites in the bush, some died as a result of military actions, some drown during rainy seasons, some died due to gunshot wounds; some as a result of massive surrendering we have witnessed in the last two years.
