Towards Understanding the Boko Haram Phenomenon in Nigeria

Abstract

Current international media reports on Nigeria indicate that it is having some serious security challenges arising from the destructive activities of Boko Haram insurgent group. Furthermore, similar reports show that attempts by the Nigerian government to overcome the problem appear to be in effective resulting in loss of lives and properties almost on a daily basis. Thus, prompting the government to seek for international support from United States of America, China and other European states. Against these aforementioned developments, this paper attempts to examine the evolution, operational strategy, effects of Boko Haram insurgent group's activities and response of the Nigerian government. The paper employed qualitative research method and specifically used content analysis to review existing secondary data relating to Boko Haram phenomenon. Among the findings of the paper is that, Boko Haram phenomenon which emerged in 2002 within the NorthEastern state of Borno as a peaceful religious sect has been transformed into a deadly terror organization. Political, external forces and lack of comprehensive approach by the Nigerian government have been identified as some of the factors which contributed in worsening the situation. As a result several lives and properties have been lost. It is therefore, the opinion of the paper that while attempting to overcome the challenges posed by the insurgent group, Nigerian government should at the same time begin to address some of the issues that led to their emergence and spread.

Boko Haram and the Geopolitics of Forced Migration in Nigeria

“…The Boko Haram started its first insurgent activity in 2009. However, some researchers have suggested a possible earlier origin in 1995 by its founder, Lawan Abubakar who surfaced from a preexisting group known as the 'Sahaba' (Aliyu, Moorthy, & Bin Idris, 2015;Harker, 2011;Yerima & Singh, 2017). When Abubakar left the country for advanced studies in Saudi Arabia, the group was later led by Muhammad Yusuf, who was viewed by many as the pioneer leader of the Boko Haram (Babatunde, Unwana-Obong, & Olanrewaju, 2014).…”

Non-Formal Education Options for Addressing Security Challenges in North-East and North-West Nigeria

“…They equally believe that 'anyone who is not ruled by Qur'an is among the transgressors as stated in the Qur'an. The group has an idea that Muslims shall not involve in political, or social activities that relate to western civilization or ideas (Aliyu, Moorthy & Idris, 2015). The ultimate goal of the group is to be ruled by the Qur'an and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (SWA) while justice and fairness are upheld (Campbell, 2014).…”

“…The politicians accuse each other of sponsoring Boko haram and banditry. For instance, Northern politicians elites accused the federal government under President Jonathan, a southern politician of using the insurgent group to decrease the population of the north particularly Muslim, and destroyed their economy to retain their bargaining powers against the 2015 political election (Aliyu, Moorthy & Idris, 2015).…”

The Use of Religion as Tool for Ideological Indoctrination by Boko Haram: A Critical Discourse

“…Most Sunni scholars in Nigeria, more especially from the Izala sect, linked Boko Haram ideology to khawarijism, which was rejected by Mohammed Yusuf and his followers. Yusuf's Book entitled "Hazihi Aqeedatun wa Minhaju Da'awatuna" (This is our belief and method of call) is undoubtedly written to reject the linkage of khawarijism to the ideology of Boko Haram (Aliyu et al, 2015). In the Book, Yusuf clearly refuted the khawariji and other charges against them.…”