The Role of Religion in Triggering Radicalism in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract This paper studies the role of religion in driving radicalism in northern Nigeria, based on the example of Boko Haram. It examines how Islam is instrumentalised by the leaders of the organisation to earn legitimacy, radicalise and mobilise new adherents. It also analyses the ways in which spiritual matters motivate ordinary people’s support for the organisation. It discusses how Muhammad Yusuf and Abubakar Shekau, the two most charismatic leaders of the organisation, exploited religion to justify their violent actions. Furthermore, it traces the methods in which the former utilised religion and the weakness of any secular tradition in northern-Nigerian society, driving a collective identity based on an ‘us versus them’ concept and instrumentalising the sense of humiliation of northern-Nigerian Muslims and the victimising of co-believers.