Resurgence in the Niger Delta and the Discourse of Terrorism in Nigeria

Abstract

Studies have shown how over-dependent Nigeria has been on the proceeds from oil thus making oil and gas the lifeblood of the nation’s revenue, economy and national survival. Hence, there exists a clear awareness between government and citizens that whatever happens to oil production can have immense effects on the country’s economy. To this, militant groups’ activities in the Niger Delta region has become a growing concern for both scholars and policy makers. Against this background, it has been noted that while there have been an avalanche of studies on the Niger Delta crisis, most have mainly described this phenomenon from the perspective of ‘agitation for self-determination’, ‘pirate activities’, ‘insurgency’, ‘armed rebellion’, ‘militancy’ among others. But considering the motives, targets and methods employed by these groups, in addition to the resurgence of threatening attacks in the region after notable era of relative peace, this study therefore tries to establish compelling arguments on why the Niger Delta crisis can further be understood from the perspective of ‘terrorism’ largely due to the fact that the eventual employment of violent means in bring home their demands is nothing short of an instrumental technique of political violence. Additionally, considering the nature of a return to violent attacks by the armed groups, brings to mind, how the armed groups have consciously adopted violence as a prolific mechanism for policy change and achieving their goals.

Keywords: Niger Delta, Militancy, Terrorism, Insecurity in Nigeria, Niger Delta Avengers, MEND