Boko Haram: CITAD Unveils Book, Advocates Non-kinetic Method

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has described the use of non-kinetic methods as not only important but key to eliminating the decade-old Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

The executive director of the Centre, Yunusa Zakari Ya’u disclosed this during a media briefing and presentation of a 227-page book titled “Boko Haram’s Community Perception of Dialogue and Reconciliation in Northern Nigeria” in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Ya’u said three out of the 7 chapters book x-rayed and discussed on the dialogue conducted in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the last 12 years of the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said, “This book is not only after ending the battle but also to restore peace, because there are a wider spectrum of stakeholders that need to be established.  The three chapters of the book looked at the previous dialogues conducted in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

“Also, one of the chapters deals with the specific experience of non-kinetic response in Kano state which looked at lessons and negotiations, therefore I believe the use of non-kinetic methods is still relevant in ending the conflict.”

The ED said women and girls consist of the largest victims of the Boko Haram Insurgency, because many of them were either abducted, kidnapped or forced to perform suicide attack.

He said many youths were forced to carry weapons advising for the inclusion of women and youth in every move for reconciliation and dialogue.

“The last two chapters dwelt on the role of women in promoting dialogue and negotiations as a pathway to ending the Boko Haram insurgency as well as the implications for the search for non-kinetic paths to ending the conflict.”