Nigerian defence forces are preparing to launch a major military operation against Boko Haram. However, the security apparatus acknowledged that it does not have the capacity to engage in an operation against the Islamist insurgency group as well as effectively secure the planned electoral process.
Against that background, the electoral commission announced on 7 February that theseries of elections, which were initially planned to start on 14 February, would be postponed to commence on 28 March. Opposition parties have decried the decision, condemning it as a calculated response from a ruling party that finds itself in a difficult political position.
Perhaps the announcement of the proposed offensive - as politically opportune as it may be - also stems from mounting regional and international pressure to address the increasing threat posed by Boko Haram.
'There will be no foreign boots on the ground in Nigeria to combat Boko Haram.' For months, this has been the invariable answer of Nigerian authorities when offered help to tackle the group. Yet, last week, Chadian troops entered Nigeria from Cameroon and engaged in intense fighting with the militant group in the town of Gamburu.
Recent events in Nigeria indicate that Abuja's position has not deviated that much
Fighting took place just a
