Boko Haram,Peace, Security and Development in North-East Nigeria: A Refractory Expedition

Abstract

The atrocious crimes leashed on North Eastern Nigerians evident in brutal killings, rapes, kidnap and violence against humanity by the Boko Haram sect for 16years, is not only devastating but also brings critical narratives to the fore. The threats this sect has posed overtime to the level of peace, security and development of the nation generally, questions the role, agenda and essence of governance in Nigeria especially at the federal level. Available studies bothering on insurgency in the North Eastern region of Nigeria, seem to pay negligible attention to the interconnectedness between peace and development in that region. Applying the democratic peace theory, this paper sets to examine the link between peace, security and development since the formation of Boko Haram in 2002, with particular reference to Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states of Northern Nigeria. The secondary data sources were utilized through theoretical and historical analysis to access, interpret and discuss the findings. The paper submits that the security situation in the region is influenced by the already existing economic dislocation, volatile political terrain, religious insensitivity etc and has adversely affected the peaceful co-existence, security and overall level of development in the region.While a military intervention in curbing this mayhem is expedient, this paper suggests that the assurance of security and overall development of the region should be a top-notch agenda of government in order to fortify any resolve for peace not only in the North east but also in every region in Nigeria.

Keywords: Peace, Security, Development, Boko Haram, North-East Nigeria

Word Count: 245

DOI: 10.7176/JPID/49-05

Publication date: April 30^th 2019