Globalization, Identity Crisis and Insurgency in Northern Nigeria: Trends, Complexities and Implications for Security Governance in Sahel, West Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the link between globalization, identity crisis and insurgency in northern Nigeria vis-à-vis the Sahel. The central thesis of the paper is that globalization has ostensibly increased the layers of identity contestations in Nigeria and proliferated platforms upon which identity conflicts are waged. The paper argued that the trajectory of insurgency in Nigeria and Sahel is complicated by the character of state-society relations and the dilemma of demarcating boarders of citizenship from boarder of identity. It contends that West Africa has robust security governance mechanism that is weakened by lack of synergy of capacity and strategy. The paper concludes that Nigeria and Sahel states should strengthen partnerships for regional security governance while striking a proper balance between domestic and transnational forces of globalization.

Keywords: Boko Haram, Globalization, Insurgency, Identity, Security, Governance