ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to examine and evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria Army counter terrorism strategies in North-Eastern state of Nigeria, a case study of Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole in Borno State from 2011 - 2018. As the Boko Haram terrorist group wages war on a widening range of targets in Nigeria, the inefficiency of the government has been starkly revealed – along with the urgent need for deep-cutting political and socio-economic reforms to counter a growing sense of insecurity. The north has been particularly hard-hit, with poor governance, omnipresent corruption and worsening social indicators compounding the security problem. Boko Haram, originally a peaceful Islamist movement, has moved progressively towards militant extremism since 2009, regularly attacking Nigerians and foreigners, Christians and Muslims, northerners and even residents of the capital, troops and civilians, in an effort to destabilise the state. For a number of years the group was treated as an internal Nigerian problem. However, Boko Haram’s illicit and armed activities increasingly take place across the country’s borders. When more than 200 girls were kidnapped in the town of Chibok in April 2014, it was clear that neighbouring countries and the international community would need to coordinate their efforts. In addition to launching a direct response to the security threat, the Nigerian government must address a wide range of grievances to eliminate the root causes of the insurgency in the long term. To effectively carry out this research,(200) two hundred questionnaire were administered, (187) one hundred and eighty seven copies were returned and (180) one hundred and eighty copies are used. After critical analysis of the data collected, findings revealed that the Nigerian Army Counter Terrorism Strategies are effectively implemented. The manifestations of a fragile state were seen as factors responsible for the nonoptimal performance of these policies in the course of implementation. The need to strengthen state institutions was given as suggestion on how to make the policies work effectively.

KEYWORD: Boko Haram, Conflict, Crisis, National Stability and Terrorism. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title      page

Declaration I

Certification II

Dedication III

Acknowledgement IV

Abstract V

Table of content VI

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of research problem 5

1.3 Research questions 6

1.4 Objective of the study 7

1.5 Research hypothesis 7

1.6 Significance of the study 8

1.7 Chapter Organization 8

1.8 Definition of terms 9

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Preamble 13

2.2 Review of Related Literature 13

2.2.1 Concept of Terrorism 13

2.2.2 Nigerian Army Counter-Terrorism Strategies 15

2.2.3 The Rise of Boko Haram in Nigeria 17

2.2.4 The Nature of Terrorist Groups 24

2.2.5 The Impacts of Terrorism in Nigeria 26

2.2.6 Adopted Counter Terrorism Strategies in Nigeria 28

2.2.7 Nigerian Government’s Response to Boko Haram Insurgency 31

2.2.8 Global Counter Terrorism Measures and Human Right 33

2.3 Theoretical Framework of the Study 36

2.3.1 Human Needs Theory 36

2.3.2 Leaders and Followers Theory 37

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research design 39

3.2 Location of the Study 39

Sources of data collection 39

3.4 Techniques of Data Collection 40

3.4.1 Survey Techniques 40

Interview Guide 40

3.5 Sampling Techniques 41

3.6 Techniques of Data Analysis 41

Validation and reliability of instruments 42

3.8 Problems Encountered in the Field 43

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

  Preamble 44

  Analysis of respondents’ characteristics and classifications 45

  Analysis of research questions 46

  Test of hypothesis 55

  Discussion of the findings 62

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of the Findings 63

5.2 Conclusion 64

5.3 Recommendations 65

References 67

Appendix