Boko-Haram: Nigeria's Security Dilemma

Abstract

The political landscape of Nigeria has undergone a dramatic transformation since independence in 1960. Nigeria has spent most of these years struggling with political, social, and economic failure. Repeated attempts to sustain and consolidate democratic government have faltered. The resurgence of ethnic and religious violence perpetrated by violent Islamic sect Boko-Haram all over the country, especially in the northern part, has once again fueled pessimism concerning not only the future of democracy in Nigeria, but also the existence of Nigeria as a political entity. The way the Nigerian government resolves these challenges will determine whether Nigeria’s fledgling democracy is transient or sustainable and, more importantly, whether Nigeria disintegrates or reconfigures itself as a nation-state. The paper offers a brief historical overview of the rise of Boko-Haram in Nigeria, its goals, objectives and ideology as well as strategies used thus far in carrying out its violent attacks. The paper also takes a look at Nigeria government’s efforts in fighting Boko-Haram and concludes with recommendations for policy implementation and strategies for fighting terrorism in Nigeria.