The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has warned that Nigeria cannot end insurgency with military operations alone.
He said the country must also embrace “soft power” by tackling the root causes of insecurity.
Kukah made the remarks in Abuja on Thursday during the public review of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
Boko Haram ideology beyond bullets, says Kukah
The bishop observed that Nigeria has launched several operations such as Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, and Operation Safe Haven, yet peace remains elusive.
According to him, the problem is that Boko Haram is driven by an ideology, not just weapons.
“You cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” he said. “The challenge before us is not only defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but also addressing the human issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power.”
Kukah says peace needs reforms
Kukah explained that Boko Haram presents its struggle as jihad, with fighters regarding death as martyrdom, which makes them immune to conventional military deterrence.
He stressed that lasting peace requires reconciliation, good governance, justice, and reforms, as highlighted in Irabor’s book.
The bishop also praised the author for going beyond military strategy and calling for national healing.
Call for inclusion and stronger institutions
Kukah added that Nigeria needs structural reforms, political inclusion, and stronger institutions to address grievances that fuel extremism.
“Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” he said.
The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, diplomats, service chiefs, and other dignitaries.
