Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria: Peace and Security Implications for the ‘Giant State’

Abstract

This article seeks to investigate the peace and security implications for Nigeria due to Boko Haram terrorism. Boko Haram is a terrorist group in northern Nigeria that seeks the establishment of a strict sharia Islamic state in the country, as it considers the current type of government corrupt and irredeemable. In this article, we identified and explored three causes of terrorism: economic, political, and social factors. It was found that terrorism is usually the result of some perceived structural issue. Thus, the article uses thematic content analysis to evaluate Boko Haram terrorism and the implications for Nigeria. It was found that Nigeria’s peace and security is severely threatened by Boko Haram and its activities. Consequently, recommendations were proffered as a means for the Nigerian government and security agencies to combat the Boko Haram threat.

Keywords: Boko Haram, Terrorism, Counterterrorism, Peace, Security,

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/71-01

Publication date: April 30^th 2021