The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has provided insights into the prolonged fight against Boko Haram.
He emphasized that the insurgents’ operations, spanning over 16 years, are sustained by significant financial backing from unidentified sources. 
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musa explained the complexities of combating an ideology-driven insurgency.
Musa remarked, “For them to have survived for 16 years and are still fighting, how are they getting their funding? Who’s sustaining them?” He added that addressing this aspect is critical to devising effective strategies.
The military, he noted, faces adversaries who are relentless and willing to go to any extent, making the operation exceptionally challenging.
The general also highlighted the difficulties posed by unconventional warfare, where the insurgents exploit human shields and disregard international laws.
“You are fighting with people that have nothing to lose. It is an ideology they have in their minds. They believe they are right and you are wrong,” he stated.
Moreover, these complexities are compounded by the constraints placed on the military by constitutional and international laws, making the task even more arduous.
Musa further explained, “If it was conventional warfare with the equipment, armaments we have now, we’ll go to a community and flatten the entire community where they live.
We’ll end this in the very short term, but you can’t do that anymore.”
He stressed the need for innovative strategies, deeper understanding, and continued investigations to dismantle the insurgents’ network effectively.
The ongoing fight against Boko Haram, according to Musa, requires not only military might but also a thorough examination of the insurgents’ funding sources and operational methods.
While the military strives to end the insurgency, the challenges underline the need for collaboration and advanced approaches to address the root causes.
Asking the question “how are they getting their findings”, the support they need to carry out their disastrous plan.
Is a very good place to start from.