BOKO-HARAM INSURGENCE IN NIGERIA: THE CHALLENGES AND LESSONS

Abstract

The terrorist acts of the Boko-Haram since 2009 have created a state of palpable fear in Nigeria and beyond, while the helpless posture of governments is worrisome. The study examines the growth of the sect, the efforts of government in addressing the challenges and the implications. The study is descriptive and data obtained from secondary sources. It was found that the insurgence was a manifestation of frustration on account of national political, religious and economic systems while the institutional mechanism adopted in managing the crisis was defective. The study concludes that the challenges are not insurmountable but a reflection of a weak state. It recommends the adoption of proactive security measures, peace approach to security and policies that equitably address poverty and unemployment. Lastly, the southern states governments are to pay more attention to agriculture to reduce over-dependence on northern sources particularly in periods of crises, disaster or crop failure.