Security analyst Dr. Walid Phares has proposed a dual approach to addressing the escalating jihadist threat in Nigeria, highlighting distinct strategies for the country’s northern and southern regions.
According to Dr. Phares, the solution in northern Nigeria and Plateau State lies in forming a counter-jihadist coalition comprising moderate Muslims and Christians. This coalition would aim to combat the growing influence of Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa, fostering interfaith cooperation to restore security and stability in affected areas.
For southern Nigeria, Dr. Phares recommends empowering and supporting a Biafra state as a strategic buffer against jihadist infiltration. The proposed Biafra region would not only enhance local security but also potentially host U.S. military personnel and bases, providing a strategic partnership to strengthen counterterrorism efforts in the southern part of the country.
Dr. Phares emphasized that adopting these region-specific solutions could create a more coordinated and effective national strategy, addressing both the ideological and operational dimensions of the jihadist threat in Nigeria.
