The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has warned that Nigeria cannot crush insurgency through firepower alone, insisting that soft power and justice must complement military operations.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book by former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), Kukah said the country’s over-reliance on military doctrines had failed to deliver lasting peace.
“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. But you cannot fight an idea with weapons,” he declared.
Kukah stressed that Boko Haram thrives on ideology framed as jihad, with its fighters embracing death as martyrdom, rendering conventional deterrence ineffective.
“The challenge is not just about defeating insurgents on the battlefield. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.
The cleric pointed to Gen. Irabor’s emphasis on reconciliation, justice, and national healing, describing his reflections as “the writings of a priest” calling for dialogue and reforms.
He urged Nigeria to embrace political inclusion, good governance, judicial integrity, and patriotism to address grievances that fuel extremism.
“Military operations can only create space,” Kukah cautioned. “It is ideas, justice, and trust in institutions that will sustain peace.”
The event drew former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, top government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
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