BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY AS A FIGHT AGAINST WESTERN CULTURE IN NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF PEOPLE PERCEPTION IN THE SOUTH-SOUTH REGION.
ABSTRACT
This research work attempt to examine the Boko Haram insurgency as a fight against western culture: an analysis of people perception in the south-south region of Nigeria.  The work has five chapters, each chapter structured in analyzing the Boko Haram crisis in Nigeria and people’s perception. To do this, the researcher used secondary data in his analysis. The data analysis revealed that Boko Haram crisis has created so many backwardness, hatred, national disintegration and lack of unity in Nigeria. The researcher therefore recommended that for Boko Haram crisis to be prevented, the government should take adequate measures to shut down any training terrorist camps operated by the Boko Haram sect. Then, the nation will start experiencing peace, oneness, security, national unity, development and progress for the betterment of all Nigerians.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
Background of the study
Statement of the problem
Research Questions
Objective of the Study
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Theoretical Framework
CHAPTER THREE
Historical Analysis of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria
CHAPTER FOUR
Boko Haram Insurgency as a Fight Against Western Culture and People Perception in the South-South Region
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
Summary
Conclusion
Recommendations
Bibliography
CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
    Boko Haram in Nigeria is an Islamic fundamentalist group seeking to transform the secular Nigeria state into an Islamic nation by infusing and enforcing strict and draconian sharia laws upon all citizens. Boko Haram which means “anything western or western education is sin”, with this put to mind anything secular therefore is sin (Haram).
    Boko Haram which means terror in the hearts of many Nigerians had its foundation stones laid right from the time of the Maitatsine riots which came about through the awkward Islamic teachings of Muhammad Marwa who was an Islamic scholar-Muhammad Marwa migrated from the town the town of Marwa in northern Cameroun to the city of Kano in 1945. While in Kano he became an Islamist zealot cum fundamentalist concerned with the purification of Islam. He believed that Islam had been corrupted by modernization (westernization) and the formation of the modern state; he was also recorded to have given himself the title of an annabi (a prophet) and made void the teachings and writings of Prophet Muhammad in the Quran. His constant preaching became very abusive, provocative and inciting especially against established institutions like the emirate and the political class to the extent that the then Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido, expelled him from Kano. Marwa however found his way back to Kano in 1966, presumably after the death of Alhaji Sanusi. Between 1972 and 1979 Marwa was detained in prison several times for his provocative teaching and acts of lawlessness against the state. He (Marwa) was a Qur’anic teacher and preacher opposed to most aspects of modernization and to all western influences Falola (1990:143). It is very obvious that Marwa exploited the dwindling economic situation and the Almajiri system and was able to attract large followers amongst the commoners, who, unable to afford the basic necessities of life, became die hard patriots of the sect and Marwa himself.
    The Boko Haram violence unlike Maitatsine riot also started with inciting teachings of Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf (late) of which garnered followers much of who were unemployed youths and northern tertiary institutions graduates, illiterates and downtrodden of northern Nigerians. It can be said that even Mohammed Yusuf took advantage of the economic situation of Nigeria.
    However, much violent attacks on Muslims and Christians have been carried out after the death of Yusuf, but the situation seems to be under control presently as the joint task force (JTF) in collaboration with sub-regional forces from Cameroon, Niger and Chad are giving the sect a hot battle.
    Despite the state of emergency that has been in operation in three states of the north-eastern part of Nigeria for almost over a year, the violent campaign embarked upon by the Boko Haram Islamic sect has refused to die down. In fact, the violence seems to be escalating, especially in its toll on human lives and property. There are continuing reports of violent activities by Boko Haram, in which dozens of lives are usually lost. Overall, it is estimated that the conflict has consumed several thousands of lives, while properties worth millions of dollars have been lost. In 2012 alone, Boko Haram accounted for 1,386 deaths in 546 attacks, and in 2013 the group was involved in 213 attacks with over 1000 deaths. The Boko Haram insurgency is the latest in the long list of such insurgencies to afflict Nigeria in recent times.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM   
    From the Niger delta uprising to the recent series of Boko Haram insurgency, Nigeria is presently undergoing a true test of security capabilities, as the nation with her leaders had failed to provide adequate security for lives and properties of her citizens. In fact, the present situation in the north eastern region as regards the Boko Haram attacks in the states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno has now become a regular thing and it seems as though the whole situation is above the control and capabilities of the government and its security forces, although it is a thing of hope if the current upsurge of the security forces in reclaiming the lost territories would bring lasting solution to this region of the country.
    Furthermore, the sect has now become more openly sophisticated and brutal in its modus operand of violence as it now directly attacks even top Muslim leaders -  one of such attacks was that of the Emir Fika and of recent the Emir of Kano.
    However, the major problem now is that the group is faceless, in fact with a flag but only a name and an ideology that seem like a religious ideology, but the question is – is Boko Haram a religious group fighting for a religious course or is it a political weapon used by some top shots to instill violence and acquire power? This is a question to be answered because Boko Haram not only attacks churches and Christians but also mosque and Muslims. This group or simply put as sect has been called upon severally by the federal government of Nigeria for peace talks and negotiations but all to no avail.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
i.    Is the activity of Boko Haram a threat to Nigeria?
ii.    What are the factors responsible for the emergence of Boko Haram in Nigeria?
iii.    What are the perceptions of the southern Nigerians in the face of the Boko Haram insurgency?
iv.    What solution can be proffered in checking the Boko Harm menace?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
    The overall aim of this research is to examine Boko Haram and insurgencies in Nigeria with particular interest in the north east region with specific objective to,
    The Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
    Find out the extent the present Boko Haram violence has threatened the nation’s security.
    To identify and highlight the perception and views of southern Nigerians on Boko Haram insurgency.
    Ascertain the level of insecurity in Nigeria in general terms.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
    This research work is aimed at evaluating Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria within the year 2009 – 2015. The study shall also examines the nexus between the Boko Haram sect violence  and the level of insecurity in Nigeria in order to fulfill part of the objective of this study, that is, to find out the extent to which the present Boko Haram has threatened the national security of Nigeria.
    The main limitation for this research rests on my inability to have real and first-hand interviews with current or even former members of Boko Haram. This is because Boko Haram is still an ongoing threat and as such even going to the North-Eastern part of Nigeria remains a risk. Another basic limitation rests on the collection and availability of data especially with regards to Boko Haram attacks. While some of the sites are locked and others have some earlier information removed, there was also the grave limitation posed by inaccuracy by different sources (news outfits) with regards to an attack or the number of dead or injured. This shortcoming was however reduced by comparing what, at least, four sources reported on an issue.
    Future researchers should however coin out modalities in order to see through the eyes of insurgents and terrorists. By this I mean, having interviews with insurgents to personally hear why they do what they do.
METHODOLOGY APPLIED
    The findings herewith presented were based on a desk research with heavy reliance on books; you tube clips, online news outfits, articles, online data sources, journals, and reports. Being a qualitative research, emphasis is also hinged on content analysis.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
    This research work will make individuals and the public to be aware of the existing and threatened national security of Nigeria as a result of insurgencies. Also this research work is to basically reveal the foundation of the Boko Haram sect. Bottom line, the entirety of this project work is to add to knowledge for a better understanding of what insurgency really is and how it has affected the north east region of the country and the unity of Nigerian state.
 REFERENCES
Agbiboa, D. (2013) ‘Why Boko Haram Exists: The Relative Deprivation Perspective’. African Conflict and Peace Building Review, 3(1): 146 – 159.
Ehiametalor Egbe T. (2002) A Practical Guide to Research: In Education and Social Science, Nera Publication, Benin City.
Falola, Toyin (1998), Violence in Nigeria: The Crisis of Religious Politics and Secular Ideologies. New York: University of Rochester.
Hutington, Samuel P. (2003), The Clash of Civilization and the remaking of the World Order. New York: Simon and Schuster Paperbacks.
Kukah, Matthew Hassan (2009) “Boko Haram: Some Reflections on Causes and Effects”. Unpublished Manuscript
Vanguard Nigeria (2009): Boko Haram Ressurects Declare Total Jihad, 14 August.