The Phenomenon of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The chapter examines the Boko Haram phenomenon in Northern Nigeria. It argues that the rise of Boko Haram, with its violent disposition to Western values, is a counter-response to Western civilization that is fast eclipsing, if it has not already eclipsed, other civilizations such as the Islamic civilization. In the world and Nigeria in particular, Islam is violently rejecting the values of Western universalism, that is, the view that all civilizations should adopt Western values. This essentially but not exclusively accounts for the Boko Haram problem in Northern Nigeria. The chapter notes that the violent activities of Boko Haram have led to wanton destruction of lives and property, especially in Northern Nigeria. However, it must be acknowledged that the Nigerian government, though belatedly, has downgraded the operational capacity of the sect in recent times. Nevertheless, to downgrade the sect considerably and recapture outstanding territories from the group, efforts should be made to deepen intelligence sharing with other regional military forces because evidence abound that Boko Haram operates more effectively along borders in Northern Nigeria.