The Nigerian military is a train wreck of thoroughly disinterested conscripts led by twelve star generals given their position for no other reason than they’re relatives of whatever junta is currently in power.
They’ve been involved in no less than ten military coups between 1966 and 1999, but you’ll never find them even remotely close to geographic locations where they might encounter Boko Haram.
Nigeria is sub-Saharan Africa’s most populous nation and second largest economy. They’re an OPEC member, sitting on lots of offshore oil, and could easily fall into the hands of Islamists who attack with impunity killing hundreds of people at a time.
It’s our next little war, I’m fairly certain. Expect a big media drive soon to get Americans interested in sending US troops there. Gosh, isn’t it just AWFUL?
I can see why you figure that and you may be right but unless something changes dramatically the US isn't going to get involved in fighting any Muzzies that have solid backing from the Saudis and Boko apparently gets plenty of Saudi money.
I know a guy who worked in Nigeria for several years and he says there are groups within the military who would fight Boko and want to do so. The problem is as you state it, though, troops are kept around places where their general is afraid of a revolt or to be ready for a coup in the cities, not out where they're needed.
I don't know if there's anyone you could work with but you could surely build teams of people who would stand watch and be prepared to defend themselves out in the countryside. If that's not possible, hunting down rabid Muzzies is worthwhile even it if has to be done without the locals knowing what's going on. At least that's my opinion, one bound to be unpopular.