Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: Implications for National Peace and Security

Abstract

Nigeria is the tenth largest and the most populous country of Africa. It is commonly called as the Giant of Africa. Since the independence of Nigeria on October 1, 1960, the country has been confronted with a number of socio- economic and political challenges. In recent times, the phenomenon of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has become a subject of grave concern. It is one of the major impediments to national peace and security in the country. The paper examines the growth of the sect, trends and strategies of Boko Haram insurgency, and attempts to suggest some measures in achieving true peace and security in the country. The discourse of Boko Haram insurgency reveals the fact that Nigeria is confronted with severe problems of national peace and security. The increasing attacks of Boko Haram on government institutions, churches, police stations, military barracks and social gatherings are clear manifestations of state weakness and bad governance, which fuel the groups violent activities affecting the socio-economic and political stability of the country. It finally recommends, inter alia, that adoption of true democracy, strong leadership and good governance are essential prerequisite in order to address the socio-economic and political problems of the country on which extremist ideologies thrive. The adoption of proactive security measures and peace approach is necessary on the part of the national interest. Also, transparency and accountability need to be promoted in the activities of the security operatives for effective policing at the border areas of the country to stop the influx of mercenaries. At the same time, the government must downplay ethno-religious and political differences among the people and work towards unity and integrity in order to create national peace and security.