Nigeria’s new president faces a large uphill battle with Boko Haram that involves more than just military tactics

Could Nigeria's recent presidential election cause a shift in power resulting in a return to power of oppressive military leadership?

Large-scale changes within the Nigerian government are needed to defeat Boko Haram.

The abduction crisis emphasises once more the need to re-think the approach the Nigerian Government is taking in the fight against Boko Haram. Whilst security forces are vital to establish security, increased economic development and perhaps even amnesties are needed to stabilise the region.

Whilst al-Qaeda has never been a particularly centralised organisation, in recent years it appears to have shifted from a model of a centralised franchise, which supports other groups to carry out attacks in their name, to a fractured structure of regional groups, each with its own internal politics and personal missions.