Boko Haram Terrorism Research Articles

Stretching the Hypothetically “Unstretchable” Check against Boko Haram Terrorist Recalcitrance around the Lake Chad Basin Area: A Direct Payoff for Staking the State and State Interest on the Platter of Personal Attention

Stretching the Hypothetically “Unstretchable” Check against Boko Haram Terrorist Recalcitrance around the Lake Chad Basin Area: A Direct Payoff for Staking the State and State Interest on the Platter of Personal Attention

Understanding the Political Economy of Boko Haram Terrorist Activities in North East Nigeria

Understanding the Political Economy of Boko Haram Terrorist Activities in North East Nigeria

The Boko Haram Terrorism: Causes Still Misunderstood

There have been widespread assumptions across the globe that the root cause of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria is religious rather than socio-economic. An investigation into this dichotomy allowed this study to fully demonstrate that the root cause of Boko Haram’s terrorist actions emanates from the non-fulfilment of socio-economic goals that are prompted by the violation of fundamental human rights, corruption, poverty, unconstitutional and undemocratic practices in the northern part of the Nigerian state. To achieve its aim of establishing the root cause of the terrorism crisis in the latter country, the study critically appraised the socio-economic context of the insurgency by adopting one-on-one in-depth interviews involving forty (40) participants to interrogate the phenomenon. Empirical evidence from the study demonstrated that the evolution of Boko Haram terrorism was a response to socio-economic phlebotomy, political and moral putrescence and the dehumanization of people that stem from a combination of decades of mismanagement and pervasive corruption by various Nigerian leaders. The study concludes that, as long as the endemic socio-economic problems caused by global capitalism vis-a-vis unequal hegemonic power exchange as expressed in socio-political, ethno-religious and cultural forms persist in the Nigerian society, the terrorism insurgency will recur and remain an inevitable enterprise and indeed a normal social reaction to every undesirable state of affairs. Based on the findings, the study urges the need for the amelioration of the conditions of the vast majority of the Nigerian populace by making socio-economic facilities available to them through the political state.

Boko Haram Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: The Soft Power Context

Given terrorists’ use of violence in pursuit of their objectives and violent counter-terrorism measures, terrorism is not often associated with soft power. Nevertheless, terrorist organisations subscribe to ideologies that are appealing to certain individuals and/or segments within their immediate environment and beyond. Similarly, counter-terrorism initiatives that embrace the utility of soft power might be more successful than those that rely on the use of naked force. While the soft power of terrorist organisations has received scant attention, there has been modest scholarly inquiry into a soft power approach to counter-terrorism. However, no comprehensive research has been conducted on the place of soft power in Boko Haram’s activities and the Nigerian government’s efforts to end their campaign. This article offers a new perspective to the burgeoning literature on Boko Haram terrorism by examining whether or not it possesses elements of soft power that are appealing to certain Nigerians. It also examines if the Nigerian government has adopted a soft power approach in its counter-terrorism efforts. The article concludes that effectively tackling the sect will require a smart power strategy.

Interrogational torture as an abuse of human rights in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria: an ethical evaluation

Amnesty international had in its several reports accused the Nigerian military of using torture (which takes several inhumane forms) in her effort to defeat the Boko-Haram terrorist group. Sequel to this, it (amnesty international) usually recommends the criminalization of torture in Nigeria and the trial of the senior Nigerian army officers for sanctioning such. This is because Torture has long been prohibited by so many world’s charters such as; the Geneva Conventions, the UN convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the European convention for the prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment among other international treaties on the abolishment of torture to which almost all the countries in world (including Nigeria) are all signatories. The paper ethically evaluates this call side by side the fight against terrorism thereby considering questions like: just as every law contains some exceptions; can we talk about exceptions in the laws prohibiting torture? Are there circumstances where interrogational torture may be considered as a necessity and therefore, justifiable? What are the arguments for and against torture? Since torture is considered as an abuse of human right; what happens where there is a clash of human rights (more especially, if a party to this clash has made himself less a human by posing as a threat to other persons’ rights?) In considering theses questions, the paper concludes that the general call for the prohibition of interrogational torture should also take into account the peculiarities (such as the “ticking bomb scenario”) involved in the fight against terrorism where the use of interrogational torture may be considered prudential. Keywords: Human rights, Torture, Interrogational torture, Terrorism, Terrorist

Trends and patterns of Boko Haram terrorist and militants' aggression in Nigeria

This study explores the trends and pattern of Islamic Boko Haram and Niger Delta militancy in Nigeria. The core of the problem was articulate in order to grapple with the complexities of this social problem. The study employed ex post facto research design and generated its data using secondary sources—the data were descriptively analysed. Boko Haram and militant groups have taken up arms against the State [Nigeria] and its defencible and defenceless citizens, resulting from frustration and social discontentment. They have been involved in series of kidnappings, destructions and killings, as predicted by the basic assumptions of our theoretical framework, frustration-aggression theory, which is empirically evidenced in the findings of this study. While Boko Haram engaged the State and members of the public in fierce attacks in the Northern Nigeria, the militants have mounted a deadly combat against the Nigerian government and expatriates, including their infrastructure and basic amenities in the Southern part of the country. The study recommends a total overhauling of the present frustration-ridden social structure and political economy of Nigeria, as well as timely implementation of proactive youth empowerment programmes and forward-looking social, political and economic policies will assist greatly in ameliorating the problem.

A Socio-Semiotic Perspective on Boko Haram Terrorism in Northern Nigeria

A Socio-Semiotic Perspective on Boko Haram Terrorism in Northern Nigeria

Ideational Dimensions of the Boko Haram Phenomenon

ABSTRACTThis article draws on frame theory to explore the ideational dimensions of the Boko Haram phenomenon. Speech acts by Boko Haram's leaders are analyzed to interrogate how the organization conducts its three core framing tasks. The article argues that Boko Haram deploys three major master frames. These are the return to true Islam frame, the injustice frame, and the war against the infidel frame. Boko Haram's framing strategies draw on the social conditions and cultural reservoir in its domain of operations. This includes antipathy toward the West and Western education, patriarchal beliefs about gender roles and the “place” of women, and the contours of a widely popular Islamic movement that emerged in the early 1800s. Boko Haram's framing approach is also shaped by state repression and the post-9/11 cosmic war discourse. Overall, the article contributes to the limited literature on nonstructural aspects of Boko Haram's terrorist activities.

The Sudanese Mahdism and Nigerian Maitatsinism as precursors to Boko Haram radicalism and terrorism

The Sudanese Mahdism and Nigerian Maitatsinism as precursors to Boko Haram radicalism and terrorism

Climate Variability and Consequences for Crime, Insurgency in North East Nigeria

Abstract Climate change discussion has primarily focused on the physical manifestation, mitigation, adaptation and finance issues. However, little attention is given to the social consequences of climate change impact especially its relationship to crime in society. Specifically, little or no research has been focused on its impact on crime, especially in developing societies. This study which examined the impact of climate change and its consequences on crime specifically terrorist activities in the Northeast of Nigeria is an effort to fill this research gap. The study adopted a cross-aged design which involves in depth interview of 200 farmers in four selected states of the zone. The outcome is that climate change awareness in the zone is very low. The climate change events identified are rapid desertification, excessive heat and drought. The consequence is that most farmers lost farmlands and agricultural products to these climate change events. Also most of the farmers who are youths were rendered redundant due to the negative impact of these climate events on crops and agriculture. Consequently they engage in alternative activities like menial jobs, while some engage in criminal activities like drug addiction, theft, political thugery, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism. They become ready tools for recruitment by Boko-Haram terrorists who are active in the area. It is recommended that massive enlightenment and effective mitigation program should be conducted, youth who are not in school should be convinced to embrace education. Also measures and projects to re-engage the youths back to agriculture should be promoted.

Narcissism Over Ideology: Revealed versus Stated Terrorist Preferences

What preferences motivate the severity of terrorist attacks? I investigate how Boko Haram terrorists adjust their fatalities when unexpectedly deprived of public attention, relative to Al Shabaab terrorists, that were not deprived of public attention. Losing public attention raises the severity of terrorism: Boko Haram terrorist fatalities surged following the rebasing of Nigeria's economy, which catapulted the country into Africa's largest and the top twenty-five worldwide. The largest spike in Boko Haram terrorist fatalities occurred in the wake of the Nigerian Ebola health crisis. Although Boko Haram claims an anti-education sentiment, their fatalities do not actually differ significantly from Al Shabaab fatalities during the Nigerian national basic education examination. Overall, terrorists consider well-being changes as threats that have more validity than the persuasiveness of their own claimed ideologies. The results are robust to acknowledging other conflict actors in Nigeria and Somalia that have distinct motivations. Terrorist groups do not significantly vary the severity of their attacks during Ramadan. Given extremists' vulnerable self-concepts, emphasizing revealed relative preferences may undermine terrorist credibility and recruitment.

Corruption and the Challenge of Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria: A Case of the Nigerian Armed Forces

Corruption and the Challenge of Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria: A Case of the Nigerian Armed Forces

A Failing Regional Power? Nigeria’s International Status in the Age of Boko Haram

ABSTRACTGiven its population size, economic strength, military capability and foreign policy directions, in past years Nigeria has been considered a major regional power in Africa. Clearly, this makes the country relevant at international and global levels. However, its status as a regional power on the continent is increasingly being affected as a result of the notorious terrorist activities of Boko Haram. Once a major contributor to peacekeeping operations in Africa and the rest of the world, Nigeria found itself relying on the support of other African states, including smaller ones, to fight Boko Haram. Furthermore, a huge number of Nigerians are now refugees across West Africa, especially in Chad Republic, Niger Republic and Cameroon. In view of this development, this article analyses the implications of Boko Haram terrorism for Nigeria’s contemporary status in the international arena. The authors argue that the instability created by the terrorist group and the government’s failure to deal with it decisively and timeously dents Nigeria’s credibility and legitimacy to assert its influence at sub-regional and regional levels.

The Role of Corruption in Festering Boko Haram Insurgency and Terrorism Under Jonathan Administration

The escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency and the terrorist attacks causing incalculable destruction to lives and property in the Northeast of Nigeria which climaxed under Jonathan administration were unprecedented in the history of religious and political violence in Nigeria. This paper examined the role that impunity and the influence of corruption played in the ineffectual response to Boko Haram insurgent acts which prepared grounds for Boko Haram terrorism under Jonathan administration. With exploration of secondary data and Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) of the extant literature, the study revealed that Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in the North-East were underestimated, politically miscalculated while funds allocated for its prosecution were embezzled. The Jonathan administration’s impunity and corruption hampered its ability to curtail terrorism when it mattered most. The paper recommended that, aside taking appropriate legal actions to punish those found guilty of misappropriation of funds, adequate steps should also be taken towards empowering the impoverished youths in the Northern parts of Nigeria while the military should be comprehensively reformed and permanent military and intelligence measures should be appropriately taken in all parts of the country to forestall future occurrence.

Insurgency and Nigeria’s Relations with Her Immediate Neighbors in the Twenty-first Century

Terrorist acts metamorphosed into an insurgency in Nigeria when the Boko Haram terrorist group ferociously challenged the territorial integrity of Nigeria and proclaimed authority over 14 local governments. Consequently, Nigeria orchestrates counterinsurgency strategy that incorporates her contiguous neighbors. It is against this background that this article interrogates the rise of insurgency in Nigeria and its influence on Nigeria’s relations with her immediate neighbors. The article argues that the insurgent uprising reinvigorates rapprochement between Nigeria and the nearby states. It concludes that cooperation in this context for national security is inexorable for mutual survival.

Boko Haram Terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin Region: Implications for Subregional Security

Boko Haram Terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin Region: Implications for Subregional Security

BOKO HARAM TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: A REFLECTION ON THE FAILURE OF DEMOCRATIC CONTAINMENT

Democracy is a system of government greatly supported by the vast majority of Nigerians and they are willing to sustain it. It is believed that the system guarantees security and promotes prosperity. It is considered a solution to most problems faced by the country. However, recent security challenges are reflections and continuation of political trends and the prospects of Democracy thriving in Nigeria. The focus of this article is to understand why democratic governments in Nigeria have failed in their effort to contain terrorism in the country as manifested by Boko Haram and other Islamist movements. Some elements of democracy as practised in Nigeria are observed in relations to the emergence of Boko Haram terrorism. It is submitted that, even when it does not equate to a counter-terrorism strategy, democracy still has some mechanisms that could be used to contain some factors that trigger or manifest terrorism.

Traumatic Experiences of Nigerian Women: An Archetypal Representation in Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus

<div><p><em>One of the most reprehensive subjugation among the so called cultural practices in Nigeria, is the oppression born out of widowhood, poverty is yet another great cause of trauma amongst many Nigerian women, especially among the no/low income earners, polygamy is as well seen to be a great causative agent of psychological disturbances amid Nigerian women chiefly in the northerners, and of course the recent Boko Haram terrorist acts that subjected many Nigerians to psychological distortion. Women in a patriarchal society like Nigeria, are treated with gender subordination which subjects them to experiencing indelible traumas. Trauma, however is today regarded as one of the leading causes of death. As such, its theorist put to light its various sources as: intimate partner violence, natural disasters, loss of loved one, sexual assault or any physical or mental wound, rape, and witness of violence. Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus is an epitome of Nigerian women’s difficulties and their traumatic experiences. This paper would explore the conformity of Trauma theory and the fictional presentation of Nigerian women’s trauma in Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus.</em></p></div>

Peculiar Weather Variability and Terrorism in Nigeria

Terrorism is now a global phenomenon which is threatening the peace and security of the world. Nigeria is not left out as it is experiencing the kind of insecurity never witnessed since the end of civil war in the 1970s. The Boko Haram terrorist group has wrecked tremendous havoc in the North-eastern region of the country and beyond. There is a possible indication that weather variability may be the side effect or root cause of terrorism in Nigeria. This is because climate change is seen as a threat multiplier due to its deleterious impacts on the environment and livelihood. This paper seeks to identify the relationship between climate variability and terrorism. Data on temperature and precipitation will be collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). Also published and unpublished scholarly articles of various literature , investigations and electronically stored information on implications of climate change was reviewed to determine whether changes in weather system are catalysts to the insecurity being witnessed recently in Nigeria. Content analysis technique was applied for data analysis and findings reveal that changes in the climate system escalate the existing tension in natural resources depletion. The paper recommends possible mitigation and adaptation measures that will address the security impact of these changes in Nigeria.

‘Nobody is sure of tomorrow’

This study investigates factors underlying adoption of safety behaviours among vicarious victims of Boko Haram terrorism in Sabon Gari, a predominantly Christian community in Kano State. Using the Health Belief Model, data were generated from non-indigenes in Sabon Gari. Findings indicated that participants felt susceptible to being direct victims with expressions such as ‘nobody is safe or sure of tomorrow’ because of their identities as Christians and non-indigenes. Loss of lives, destruction of business, weakened bonds, and feelings of imaginary dangers captured perceived severity. Perceived cost of adopting safety behaviours included an outright ban on evangelism, utilization of visitation and isolation. Adopting cues to action, participants avoided crowded places, and relocated family members to reduce collateral damages of anticipated victimization. Implementation of personal (avoidance of vain talks) and institutional preventive measures (purchase of scanners and organization of security training) constituted control measures to prevent victimization. In conclusion, perceived susceptibility facilitated adoption of safe and secure behaviours.