Does Nigeria need more assistance in fighting Boko Haram?

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 16:23:27 -0400

Nigerian forces freed 178 captives from Boko Haram.

This is the war on terrorism (I know I'm not supposed to use that term anymore...) that we don't hear about. Is it getting enough attention or international support?

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/03/africa/nigeria-violence/

Nigerian military: 178 captives rescued from Boko Haram - CNN.com

Nigerian forces have freed 178 captives held by the terrorist group Boko Haram during military operations in the country's northeast, an army official said

Response by SGT James Elphick made Aug 3 at 2015 6:24 PM

SGT James Elphick — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:24:20 -0400

We are at an interesting juncture as far as combating terrorism goes. The US has used up so much of it's blood, treasure, and credibility that it is difficult for us to get involved anywhere else from both a domestic and international stand point. There are many on-going, simmering conflicts and incidents around the world that I believe the US is remiss to not be addressing. The on-going difficulties in Latin America with drug cartels come to mind, as well as Boko Haram, and other conflicts in Africa. The UN has responded to some of these with peacekeepers which are quite ineffective (but still cost the US and our allies significant amounts of money). The US military is going to have to learn how to operate with a smaller foot print and to be less visible (beyond the Special Operations Forces likely already operating in these areas) much like Marines on a MEU often do. We are also going to need to increase capabilities for these types of conflicts including advisers and other types of civil affairs units. So to answer the question, no, there is not enough attention or involvement in many of these conflicts from the US or the international community and that is something that is holding back our abilities to sufficiently deal with them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 4 at 2018 6:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 18:44:10 -0500

I believe the insurgency started when the Nigerian government and oil corporations polluted the coast and farming land without sharing the oil profits to those impacted. Now it is an economic and religious insurgency.