#News: Boko Haram 'pushed out in a month'

[BBC]

 Analysis: Will Ross, BBC News, Abuja President Jonathan may have faced huge criticism at home and abroad for his handling of the insecurity in the north-east but he seems unwilling to concede any mistakes have been made.

Mr Jonathan clearly inherited a military beset by corruption and one which for decades has demonstrated an extraordinary inability to build up a decent array of weaponry - hence the recent scramble for military hardware including helicopters and tanks as well as the involvement of troops from neighbouring countries.

His assessment of the Boko Haram crisis is perhaps a little closer to the mark than the euphoric PR statements that are sent out on behalf of Nigeria's military suggesting this is a won war.  

Yes, some jihadists have been killed in battle, he told me, but many have fled - either over the borders or into Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains, whilst some he says have melted back into towns.  

They may no longer control much territory but the Boko Haram crisis grew too deep to disappear in a hurry.

Ashes and death in recaptured town

 Mr Jonathan said that newly acquired military equipment, as well as co-operation with neighbouring countries, had helped push the jihadists out of towns and villages.  

The president also said the authorities would continue the search for the 219 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok by Boko Haram last year.

The interview comes just days before Nigerians vote in presidential elections. Despite many analysts predicting the most fiercely contested poll since the end of military rule in 1999, Mr Jonathan said: "I'll surely win."

 Boko Haram at a glance:

 

• Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education
• Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language
• Launched military operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state
• Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria
• Has also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja
• Abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls
• Controls several north-eastern towns
• Launched attacks on neighbouring states
• Pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS) militants in 2015

     
Source: BBC