The Increasing Threat of Terrorism to West and Central Africa: The Case of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria

Abstract

Terrorism has gained ground in international discourse of issues currently impeding the progress and development of states. Although not a recent phenomenon, terrorism is a growing menace which cannot be ignored. The environmental, socio-economic, psychological and physical impacts of terrorism on people and governments are highly significant and there is therefore the need to understand and address this phenomenon. This research focuses the increasing threat of terrorism to West and Central Africa using Boko Harm in Nigeria for analysis. The study conducted is based on information collected from both primary and secondary sources. The research methodology employed in analysing data is the qualitative method. Interviews were conducted to gauge stakeholders’ opinion of this phenomenon and its associated threats. Findings from the study indicates that terrorism in West and Central Africa is due to the growing influence Salafist ideology as well as structural weaknesses such as corruption, high concentration of youth unemployment, porous borders, ethnic and religious divisions that are prevalent in West and Central Africa. The research also examined the factors that have created an enabling environment in Nigeria for Boko Haram to thrive and commit mass atrocities against the Nigerian citizenry, government forces and spread their influences to neighbouring countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Chad. The Boko Haram threat remains a major blight on the progress and growth of the Nigerian society. High rates of poverty is very prevalent in the Nigerian society particularly the Northern section of Nigeria. This has made recruitment of persons caught in the vicious cycle of poverty by Boko Haram very easy. The study recommends that the Nigerian government implements schemes geared towards poverty alleviation. These includes creating employment opportunities with better pay systems, building the capacity of entrepreneurs through funding, and a revitalization of the educational system to incorporate STEM fields which will enable the youth gain employable skills thereby bridging the unemployment gap in the Nigerian society. There is also the need for sensitivity when it comes to cultural differences and values. Government institutions and the media must respect and acknowledge the plurality of the cultural environment in Nigeria and the entire Sahel Region.