The terrorism-organized crime nexus in the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria

Abstract

The complexity of the relationship between terrorism and organized crime as well as the threat they pose to peace and security have led some scholars to conclude that the two phenomena can no longer be studied in isolation. The terror-crime nexus remains particularly acute in Nigeria, where over a decade of insurgency by the Boko Haram and its splinter groups, particularly the Islamic State West African Province, have devastated the country's northeast and Lake Chad region. This chapter argues that the terror-crime nexus in Nigeria is generally driven by pragmatism and opportunism. The terrorist organizations’ resilience owes much to their ability to directly engage in some organized criminal activities and/or exploit links with organized crime groups. The chapter also identifies the factors that enable the terror-crime nexus and discusses the measures implemented to counter terrorism and organized crime in Nigeria.