Terrorism in Nigeria - Revisiting Nigeria's Socio-Political Approach to Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency.

摘要

Boko Haram, is a terrorist organization in Nigeria, with its stronghold in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa (Nigeria). The group has conducted series of attacks that has resulted in a high level of insecurity in the country, deaths and a high number of refugees in the affected region. In addition, the menace of terrorism has negatively impacted the socio-economic and political equilibrium of Nigeria, making it the current thorn in the nation's flesh. This research tries to highlight the need for a socio-political approach in Nigeria's counterterrorism and counterinsurgency strategy in order to make it more effective. Methodologically, it relies on both primary and secondary sources of data. It argues that a combination of politico-economic competition, illiteracy, poverty, extremist religious ideology and the obnoxious military extra-judicial killings are the core drivers of this sudden change. It concludes with a range of recommendations on how Nigeria can successfully address the security threat posed by Boko Haram.