Nigeria's violence far worse than Boko Haram narrative, researcher says

A six-year study covering attacks between 2020 and 2025 has revealed that violence in Nigeria is far more widespread and deadly than the dominant narrative focusing on jihadist groups like Boko Haram suggests. Researcher Maarten Vierhout presented his findings at a peace summit in Jos on Monday, emphasizing that the international media and policymakers' near-exclusive focus on Boko Haram obscures a far more complex and pervasive reality on the ground.

The research shows that numerous civilians have lost their lives due to ethnic conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and activities of other armed groups across different regions of Nigeria. While acknowledging that Boko Haram remains a serious threat in the northeast, Vierhout stressed that the majority of violent incidents and casualties nationwide are not directly linked to this group. The middle belt and northwestern regions, in particular, experience intense violence not attributable to Boko Haram.

The study systematically analyzed attacks in Nigeria from 2020 to 2025, mapping the geographic distribution, perpetrators, and victims of violence. Vierhout stated that the data indicates the number of incidents attributed to Boko Haram is relatively small compared to violence caused by other armed groups and communal conflicts. This misrepresentation, he argued, leads to misdirected international intervention and aid.

Speaking at the peace summit, Vierhout called on the Nigerian government and the international community to reassess their security strategies. He acknowledged the importance of military operations against Boko Haram but emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach addressing the root causes of violence, such as ethnic tensions, economic inequalities, land disputes, and weak governance.

The researcher concluded that the media and policymakers' tendency to view Nigeria's violence solely through the lens of Boko Haram delays solutions to real problems and leads to inefficient use of resources. Vierhout advocated for a more balanced narrative that considers all dimensions of violence, urging peacebuilding efforts to take local dynamics into account.