Prolongation of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: The International Dimensions

Abstract

Boko Haram insurgency has constituted a nagging predicament to the Nigerian state since it's resurgence in 2010. The dexterity, sophistication and fluidity of the terrorist group within the North East geopolitical zone coupled with its prolonged confrontation with the Nigerian state as the sole legitimate monopolist of the instruments of force and violence has apparently, conferred the toga of invincibility on Boko Haram. But is Boko Haram truly invincible? What is the critical factor responsible for the prolongation of Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria? Against this backdrop, this study based on grand narratives found in literature and analyzed through content analysis recognizes that there are international dimensions to the Boko Haram saga in Nigeria. However, it argues that one crucial international dimension responsible for the persistence of Boko Haram insurgency is the transformation of the imbroglio into a regional conflict traversing Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. With the use of the regional conflict formation analytical perspective, the paper posits that as a result of the geographic proximity of Nigeria to Cameroon, Chad and Niger, the linkage of people from the four countries and the permeability of Nigeria's borders in the North East geopolitical zone, Boko Haram insurgency has virtually developed into a system of conflict. Therefore it cannot be annihilated without a synergistic approach involving these four countries.

Keywords: Boko Haram, Conflict, Insurgency, International, Prolongation