General Introduction: Setting the Scene
Statement of Problem
Indeed, the better the issue is understood, the more effective will be policies aimed at combating not only Boko Haram terrorism, but other like-minded individuals that may arise in the future as a result of the weakening of the socio-economic conditions of Nigerians. Consequently, this study seeks to examine the socio-economic roots of Boko Haram terrorism in northern Nigeria.
Research Hypothesis
Although scholarly works on the Boko Haram phenomenon are mushrooming, there is still a paucity of compelling studies on the socio-economic determinants of the insurgency, particularly in terms of the economic origins of the crisis with reference to the Nigerian political economy. As several authors have pointed out, there is not one Boko Haram but many "Boko Haram" in Nigeria.
Research Objectives
Considering the multitude of prevailing opinions, which are sometimes conflicting, regarding the impetus for Boko Haram's terrorism, the effectiveness of long-term policy response rests on a well-informed understanding of the causal factors of which are socioeconomic conditions. decisive. Therefore, an in-depth and comprehensive scientific investigation that can have a positive influence on policies aimed at ending this dire scenario in Nigeria is pertinent.
Research Questions
Theoretical Framework
- Root Cause (RC)
This is where Crosby's (1979) fifth condition, (as mentioned earlier) becomes relevant in understanding the dynamics of the relative deprivation thesis. To further emphasize this point, Newman contradicts the critics of the root cause thesis who view terrorists as rarely personally deprived or uneducated.
Research Methodology
These socio-economic factors manifest themselves in the various dimensions of fueling Boko Haram terrorism. Relevant themes pertaining to the Nigerian political economy and the Boko Haram sect are therefore used to support the thesis of the study.
Significance of Study
Hence, the case study approach endorsed herein facilitates an understanding of the socio-economic determinants of Boko Haram terrorism, both from the macro and the micro levels of analysis. However, to engage these socio-economic root causes of Boko Haram terrorism, it is first pertinent to discover what constitutes terrorism.
Structure of the Study
In the case of Nigeria, “the oil boom led to the rapid expansion of the Nigerian economy. Consequences of political and economic factors in the rise of the "Boko Haram" insurgency in Nigeria.
Introduction
The Definition Problem: The Bermuda Triangle of Terrorism
The idea of unlawful use of force is an often cited central feature of terrorist acts in definitions that emphasize the means. These value-laden definitions of terrorism, such as Schimid's, and the state-centric definition of terrorism, such as that of the US.
Perspectives on Terrorism: A Historical Trajectory
As the name suggests, this wave of terrorism was characterized above all by national self-determination in opposition to the oppressive yoke of colonialism. Like previous "waves", the wave of the New Left clashed with Western imperialism; therefore, it was characterized by nationalism and radicalism.
Justification of Terrorism
- Between Socio-economic factors and terrorism
The same logic can be said to apply to Boko Haram's perception of the Nigerian government. The implication of the above – namely the divided opinions on the role of socio-economic factors in the rise of terrorism and Schimid's observation – for the study of Boko Haram terrorism forms the focus of the subsequent review and analysis.
Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria
The key assumption here is that the socio-economic conditions of the peoples of Northern Nigeria are critical to the emergence, flourishing and possible control of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. In the quest to understand the economic predicates of Nigeria's current security challenges, this chapter thus provides a general description of Nigeria's political economy.
Pre-Oil Economy in Nigeria
Subsequent oil exploration in commercial quantity followed the same pattern of trade but to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians. These "crises of the state and the economy", which are significant for the socio-economic condition of the masses, have far-reaching implications for national security (Olaitan, 1995).
The Nigerian Oil-Centric Economy and Consequences
As Olaitan says, "the essence of this development was the monetization of the Nigerian economy and the creation of social relations of exchange." Therefore, one of the defining characteristics of Nigeria's political economy is this over-dependence on one commodity, namely crude oil, for its revenue.
Nigeria’s Economic Crises from the 1970s
- The [Mis]management of the Crises: From Shagari to Obasanjo
His strong emphasis on reducing the budget deficit, public spending and the balance of payments deficit are reminiscent of this perspective. Indeed, only the younger class of Nigerian society, particularly the merchant bankers, benefited from deregulation (Olukoshi, 1995:154).
Corruption in Nigeria
- Cost of Corruption
So let's take a cursory look at some of the costs of corruption to Nigeria. In line with the above, therefore, most African countries have remained at the wrong end of the HDI over the years due to high levels of corruption.
Poverty in Nigeria
In fact, according to the 2013 United Nations Human Development report, Nigeria ranks as the 36th least developed country in the world. According to the data, Nigeria “is responsible for almost one in five out-of-school children in the world” (Abdulmalik, 2013).
Terrorism in Nigeria
Notably, among all states in the region, Zamfara, a northwestern state in Nigeria, recorded the highest unemployment rate compared to (3%) Osun State, which is the lowest. Therefore, as we will see in detail in subsequent chapters (4 and 5), the deplorable socio-economic conditions in the northern region compared to the southern region of the country suggest why the region is prone to violence against the state that manifests itself in the form of terrorism over the years the last.
Summary and conclusion
A former newspaper editor attributed the northern crises to “the alarming poverty and neglect of the region's youth (Musa 2012: 118). Although this is a national problem, it is more pronounced in the northern region of the country.
Introduction
Understanding “Boko Haram”
For example, it is fundamentally difficult to distinguish what and who exactly represents Boko Haram; therefore, Goodluck Jonathan's view that the sect is faceless is instructive (Ekwueme and Obayi, 2012). Such a question is important because it is possible that other groups with similar (or even different) ideologies and motivations are now hiding under the name of a sect to enforce their own agenda.
Evolution and Identity
Fundamentally, it is widely believed that Boko Haram translates as Western education is forbidden (a sin or sacrilege) (Waldek and Jayasekara, 2011). As a result, the sect prefers the Jama'atuAhlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad (meaning a people committed to the propagation of the Prophet's teachings and Jihad) over the Boko Haram designation.
Ideological Background, Mission and Location
It is therefore no coincidence that the founder of Boko Haram came from such a background of Islamic education. Like most Nigerians, Boko Haram is quite unhappy with the endemic corruption that characterizes the Nigerian government.
Leadership
Nevertheless, the sect's descent into Islamic extremism and its quest to overthrow the secular Nigerian state was primarily motivated by the Yusuf's personal charisma, namely his outright condemnation of the pervasive decadence in government and society. Currently, Boko Haram is believed to be led by Abubakar Shekau49, who is said to have died after being wounded by the Joint Task Force (JTF) during one of its raids on the sect's hideout.
Membership
It is sufficient to point out the striking similarity between the sect and the Maiatatsine of the 1980 in terms of recruitment. Similarly, there is evidence that Boko Haram has provided sustenance for a number of desperate Nigerians, thus making the sect attractive.
Targets and Tactics
At least five people and the suicide bomber died in the attack at the central mosque in Maiduguri, Borno state. The explosion killed the suicide bomber and a civilian, while two other people, including a soldier, were injured on the 25th.
Indicators of International Link and Sponsorship
For example, according to Salkido (2013), Boko Haram receives donations from other like-minded jihadist groups around the world. For example, the sectarian abduction of a French family from Cameroon “signals Boko Haram's readiness to operate outside of Nigeria's borders for the first time to carry out attacks for the cause of AnsarEddine or AQIM” (Cook, 2013: 12). ).
Conclusion
Therefore, to illuminate this view, this chapter analyzes some of the prevailing socio-economic factors in the northern region of Nigeria where Boko Haram runs. Like the case of unemployment, poverty is also higher in the northern region than in other regions of the country.
Introduction
Unemployment and Bourgeoning Population in Northern Nigeria
To understand this point of view, Table 5.1 below shows the level of unemployment in the selected states, based on the 2009 and 2011 National Bureau of Statistics reports. As noted, there is a lack of proportional distribution of industries during the early stages of formation. of the Nigerian state has deprived the region of employment.
Pervasive Poverty
Maiduguri was one of the poorest in Nigeria before it spread to other poor parts in the North-West (Musa, 2012:121). Also, figure 5.3 below shows the alarming level of malnutrition in different geopolitical regions of the country.
Economic development and income inequality
On the contrary, the northern region has had little or no such foundation due to the discouragement of Western education in the region during the colonial period; therefore, it has been economically marginalized. One of the clearest expressions of the problem of economic underdevelopment in the northern regions is its low educational profile.
Low Educational Profile in the Northern Region
In 2005, there were about 7 million Almajiria children in northern Nigeria according to the National Council for the Welfare of the Poor (Africa Report, 2010). Hence, it is the judgment of the lack of life opportunities created by Western culture, perhaps through increasing Westernization, that Boko Haram is demonstrating its disgust, rather than Western education itself (Umar, 2013).
Conclusion
As shown, the socio-economic underpinnings of the Boko Haram insurgency appear to be disguised in religious garb (Lacey). This study has basically tried to find out the socio-economic root causes of the crises.
Introduction
A Review of Government's Response to Boko Haram
This clearly shows how frustrated the unintended victims of the government's crackdown on the sect are generating among the local population. It was believed that getting hold of the cult leaders would turn the tide of the activities.
The Security and Development Nexus
To fully appreciate this perspective, we will now analyze the link between security and development. The realization of this mistake has rightly led to the broadening of the concept of security in the post-Cold War era to include features such as “economic development, equality, political responsibility and good governance”.
Addressing the Socio-Economic Root Causes
- Creating Employment Opportunities
- Effective Poverty Alleviation Program and Social Welfare Improvement
- Improving the Education Profile in the Northern Region
- Good Governance and Leadership
This would greatly ease the problem of youth unemployment in the region and thus help them to usefully channelize their energy into production that can add value to the country's development. For example, Nigeria urgently needs to solve its long-standing power problems and improve its health facilities for the well-being of the population in the Boko Haram-infested northern regions.
Other General Recommendations
- Effective Border Control and International Cooperation
- Breaking the Sponsorship Link
- Regulating teaching in religious gatherings
State Fragility and the Reign of Terror in Nigeria: A Case Study of Boko Haram Terrorism. Socio-Economic Incentives, New Media and the Boko Haram Campaign of Violence in Northern Nigeria.
