It is amusing to note the comparisons that various commentators have drawn in several quarters in recent times between the Boko Haram Sect and the Niger Delta militia. For a quick start, both are definitely outlets for dissipation of energy by aggrieved youths who are reacting to a state that has failed them abysmally, one that has not put in the necessary structures nor allowed the cultivation of a conducive environment for the actualization of their aspirations. It is also clear that there is no love for the country called Nigeria. Unfortunately, it is mostly common people (like them) that suffer the repercussions of their own activities.
As in most things that take place in the entity called Nigeria, there is also the colouration of North and South divide that attend to both militant groups. Please note in this piece that all the former splinter militant groups under the leadership of Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) are subsumed collectively as one. The activities of both have resulted in the massive destruction of property and loss of lives. Such activities have also resulted in social dislocations as well as paralysis of economic pursuits on various fronts.
This may have been as far as the similarities between both groups would go otherwise, they are as far apart as the North and South poles by every yardstick of evaluation .Spearheaded proudly by MEND, the Niger Delta militancy had an ideological thrust in seeking redress to a volatile situation of gross and systematic neglect of oil producing areas by the state and operators over the years. As was their constant refrain, the Niger Delta militants had to constantly break oil pipelines because they were always told that everything they desired to live meaningful lives(good roads, hospitals, schools, employment and the rest) were in the “pipeline”.
From the time of Balewa through the years of Yakubu Gowon to the second coming of Olusegun Obasanjo, the people had always been promised that their succor was in this “pipeline”. Besides the promise of economic gains, the Niger Delta militants were largely persuaded and motivated to take to arms to seek redress to the injustices of an insensitive and uncaring State.
On the other hand, it is not yet clear about the ideological persuasion of Boko Haram even with all the pretensions. For all you know, it could be a disguised Northern revolt against an “infidel” in Aso Rock. Remember the riots that followed the elections? The much that has been let out in the media is that they want Sharia implemented in the twelve States of the North, the country doing away with all vestiges of western influence and education among others.
These demands if they were taken as the Boko Haram Ideology when juxtaposed within the social class context of the militants raises some real posers: how does having Sharia implemented in Northern States help or better the lot of these youths who are mostly stark illiterates? Is it not the same Sharia that was based on selective justice whereby only the poor who stole chickens were brought to justice and the rich ones who stole billions were shielded from it?. Again, how does doing away with western influences also help the cause of these youngsters? Some of them probably had western education, enjoy all trappings of comfort that are Western induced, communicate fluently in English Language(!) among others yet they hate Western influences. Those who come to equity ought to come with clean hands.
The two groups also differ on targets and span of operation. The Niger Delta militants lorded by various commanders operated virtually within the Niger Delta region along the waters, creeks and the mangroves forests which gave them the necessary fortresses they needed to operate and navigate to safety from the forces of the State. For now the Boko Haram, operates mostly in the North of the country with a den in Borno State amid growing fears that Lagos, the economic nerve centre could be their next destination.
The main targets of the Niger Delta militant were the oil companies operating within the area because they saw them as betrayers. They also picked target against agencies of the Federal government which they also saw as the arch enemies. Occasionally, they clashed against one another over sundry interests and against local chieftains whom they perceived to be agents of the State. The militant also targeted the police, military and law enforcement agents of the State. On the other hand, the Boko Haram Sect does not have fixed targets except that done in retaliation such as the bombing of the Police Headquarters in Abuja. They employ the tactics of “throwing stones” into the public places and anybody can be hit including their relatives and friends. They probably have never met their victims before and do not have grouse with them in person. The Boko Haram targets are therefore random.
Another aspect in which Boko Haram differs from Niger Delta is in the area of composition. While Niger Delta militants comprised majorly indigenes of the oil producing areas, the Boko Haram Sect is believed to be composed largely of Northerners, infiltrated with militants from Somalia and other countries in Africa. Some connection is even drawn with the deadly Al Quaeda.
The two groups differ also in tactics. Unless final investigations prove to the contrary, it would appear that suicide bombing previously alien to Nigeria is a weapon of destruction employed by the Sect. the Niger Delta militants would never deliberately kill or allow themselves to be killed, they loved life to the extreme.
The sponsors and the mode of sponsorship also differ between both groups attested to by their political leaning. Some of the beneficiaries of political offices today especially of Niger Delta origin had one connection or the other with militant groups to force their way into reckoning. In many other cases, militants were used as thugs in elections to rig and conjure results in favour of their sponsors. Although still early in the day, it would not be much different with Boko Haram. There must be powerful barons who are paying for the bombs, equipment and the upkeep of the militants.
The inducement of financial and material gains also differs as well. With the Niger Delta militancy, this became the emphasis at a point in their quest. The militants made much money through political sponsors, pacification money from oil companies and even government, ransom from kidnapping and outright robberies. For now, money is not known to be the inducement of Boko Haram but days ahead will tell. But it would remain a subject of debate whether or not the government should extend the carrot of amnesty to Boko Haram as it did with Niger Delta militia.