TERRORISM IN WEST AFRICA IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A STUDY OF BOKO HARAM IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA 2009-2021

Abstract

Terrorism has posed serious challenges to regional and global security and stability. The security and development of the West African Region have been grossly affected by terrorist activities. This paper examines the phenomenon of terrorism in West Africa during the 21st century with a particular focus on the activities of Boko Haram in Northeast Nigeria between 2009 and 2021 when the group was most active. Apart from ethnic/religious intolerance and religious extremism, which informed the rise of terrorist groups, issues ranging from weak government institutions and structures, poor policies and weak implementation, corruption, scarce economic resources, political marginalization,` inequality, injustice, poor infrastructural development, neglect and lingering unresolved issues among others had been adduced to be largely responsible for the rise of violent insurgency which degenerated into terrorism. The effect of terrorism has further crippled the weak economy as apart from the destruction of existing structures and disruption of normal activities, resources which are supposed to be used for development are channeled into combating terrorism and insurgency. The study adopts the interdisciplinary approach utilizing both primary and secondary sources for the qualitative analysis. The study examined the nature of crises in the country and the activities of Boko Haram in destabilizes regional stability and development, among others. The study emphasises the need for transparency and accountability of government in every sector, strengthened institutions, inclusivity, independence of the judiciary, effective law enforcement, religious regulation, development of indigenous systems for job creation and good governance generally as a panacea for stability in the region.