CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the StudyConflict is very often, the result of the interaction of political, economic and social instability,frequently stemming from bad governance, failed economic policies and inappropriatedevelopment programmes which have exacerbated ethnic or religious difference (EC, 1996). The upsurge of terrorism engineered by Boko Haram poses grave security challenges to thenation and summons on the part of the law and security agencies a synergy of strategies tocombat the situation. The terrorist acts of the Boko-Haram since 2009 have created a state ofpalpable fear in Nigeria and beyond, while the helpless posture of governments is worrisome.Nigeria currently faces security and developmental dilemma with the crucible of terrorismlargely enveloped in the foreign policy perspective with neighbours (Akpomera, & Omoyibo,2013).The year 2009 was a watershed for Boko Haram, with violence erupting in July of the same yearleading with destruction of the mosque headquarters of the sect leader by the Nigerian military.Yusuf was captured by the soldiers, handed over to the state police officers, but extra-judiciallykilled in police captivity. The consequent violent revolt by the Boko Haram sect members, nowdirected by the new leader, Abubakar Mohammed Shekau, as at 31st December, 2011 well over3,500 people have been internally displaced, 264 children orphaned, 392 women widowed, 28policemen killed, several police stations razed, over 700 inmates, forcefully released, especiallythe sect members, from the Bauchi Prisons and 109 killed in bomb explosions near theMogadishu Barracks in Abuja (Onuoha, 2011).1
Boko Haram can be understood as an Islamist insurgency that has risen from political andreligious discontent within Nigeria (Adesoji, 2011; Onuoha, 2012). This extremist sect threatensthe security, sovereignty and stability of Nigeria, particularly northern Nigeria, by a range ofhigh profile attacks on the military, police, schools, political figures and other infrastructure(Nicoll, 2011). Boko Haram are a Nigerian militant Islamist sect which seeks political andreligious reform within Nigeria specifically the adoption of Sharia law with beliefs based in thepractise of Orthodox Islam (Bagaji, 2012).The impact of Boko Haram on Nigeria National Security and the need for the Nigerian state toensure development has led to the development of counter terrorism strategies. It is increasingly recognized that there exist a relationship between security and development.Security influences a country’s developmental process. Insecurity disrupts countries and preventsthe achievement of development programmes. Development provides well-being to population.A country that experiences no economic and social development cannot claim welfare.Nigeria’s development has generated a lot of discourse in recent time. This is because of theserious attention and commitments the nation engaged in tackling intractable conflicts and issueson the continent of Africa and the world at large. The foundation of this was rooted on theprinciple of ‘Africa as the centre-piece of Nigerian foreign policy that was concretized bysuccessive governments. Since the return of democratic rule to Nigeria in 1999, however,internal insecurity and the Boko Haram insurgencies remain a contending issue that has attractedinternational and local reactions over the ways and manners at which security related matters areaddressed in the country. Internal security and challenges of development under the JonathanGood luck administration over time have degenerated to the extent of creating a disconnection2
between government and the governed that have equally resulted into mistrust that gave birth tostate of insecurity and underdevelopment in the country. In a situation where a state lacks the possessing power and capabilities to defend the citizens andpromote her economic development, the question of independence, territorial sovereignty andnational development are affected. Conversely, a state that lacks the basic capabilities such as:political, economic, industrial and technology to establish and project strong national defenceand security structure would become vulnerable and exposed to various threats and challengesthat could undermine her independence and development of the state. In the midst of risinginterest and actual investment into Nigeria’s economy, insecurity is emerging as the biggestthreat to sustaining the tempo of investment inflow in the country (Braithwaite, 1988)On that premise the position of the Nigerian government to deal decisively with the Boko Haraminsurgency in the North –East (Yobe State) has placed the Nigerian security agencies incapableof providing lasting solution to the prevailing crisis of insecurity in the country and adverselyaffect the nation’s development. More worrisome is the silent suspicion that some securityagencies were actually involved in the busi
