NIGERIA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Book Haram is an Islamic religious sect that has been in existence since way before the beginning of their brutal attacks in Nigeria. The return to democracy in Nigeria in May, 1999 gave birth to hopes of development and political stability to Nigeria. Years back, Nigeria has experienced an alarming increase in violent conflicts and criminality, which tended to undermine those expectations (Amed, 2014). The violence and criminality have come in the form of armed robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking and militancy, among other acts of criminality that undermine national security. Internal security has been undercut by violent acts of civilian-in-arms against Nigerian. The word Boko Haram means forbid western education. The group became visible in early 2000s as small Sunni Islamic group recommending a strict interpretation and implementation of Islamic law in Nigeria. According to research, their leadership did not call for violence when they emerged; but their followers engaged in series of clashes with security during its formative years (James Blare: 2003).

There is a growing thought among Nigerians about the real identity and motive of Boko Haram sect. Most Muslims see it as an extension of Maitatsinesect which was established in 1945 to transport turmoil to Islam as it was confirmed that Maitatsinewas not a Muslim until his death, while a reasonable number of Christians see it as an attempt to Islamize Nigerians while some are indifferent (Mohammed, 2013). In 2009, the activities of Boko Haram transformed from a local peace militia into a violent group, aer the government attacked the members of the group in some major cities of northern Nigeria, which led to five days violent clashes between the group members and the Nigerian forces and resulted in killing the sect leader, Muhammad Yusuf in Maiduguri, and more than 700 other people (Kenneth, 2014).

The attacks by different insurgents and terrorist groups against the state has questioned the possible survival of the Nigerian federation, whether it would remain an entity or be broken up into respective states, like the effort of the Biafra uprising in the 1967 to 1970. In the 1960’s, the mindset of the Igbo ethnic group that opted for secession through their leader Lt Col O. Ojukwu was understood from the massive killing of the Ibos in the Northern part of Nigeria, and the exodus of the Ibos back home. Presently, each ethnic group still claims ownership in most issues of national concern- this is the bottom of Nigerian problem where there is no cooperation to move the country forward to acquire national consciousness to achieve national identity. At this 21st century many political and social commentators did not hide their feelings by attributing the insecurity challenges to politics or economic but some are of the view that religious perspective should be added. Here we need to know if the Boko haram mission is either political or religious. From the descriptive analysis, Bokoharam mission started in the fast North-East part of Nigeria and spread quickly to North Central, North-West and by prediction moving to other parts of the country. The locals in the Northern part of Nigeria wonder why Nigerian state and her security agencies cannot bring to an end this insurgency or terror committed against the innocent people.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The fight against boko haram insurgency in Nigeria has largely taken its toll on the socio economic development of Nigeria. The effect of this insurgency has been hard on the country particularly in the north eastern part of the country.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This study aims to examine the threat of Boko Haram insurgency on Nigerian National Security system. Other objectives include the following 1. To examine the challenges of the successful fight against boko haram insurgency in Nigeria. 2. To identify the prospects of the total eradication of the boko haram insurgency. 3. To assess the level of damage done by the boko haram sect in the north east. 4. To identify the major causes of boko haram insurgency in Nigeria.