This article examines the strategic and operational responses adopted by the Nigerian government in countering Boko Haram terrorism, with a view to understanding the prevailing tensions and debates that have trailed these responses. It argues that the predominantly military approach to countering Boko Haram terrorism would continue to generate tensions between government and the local people, unless a more robust counter-terrorism strategy is designed and implemented together with significant governance and political reforms, geared at reversing the historic social and economic imbalance in northern Nigeria. The article therefore recommends improvement in good governance and increased citizen participation in the political space, among others, as measures for sustainably managing Boko Haram terrorism.