CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the StudyConflict is very often, the result of the interaction of political, economic and social instability,frequently   stemming   from   bad   governance,   failed   economic   policies   and   inappropriatedevelopment programmes which have exacerbated ethnic or religious difference (EC, 1996). The upsurge of terrorism engineered by Boko Haram poses grave security challenges to thenation and summons on the part of the law and security agencies a synergy of strategies tocombat the situation. The terrorist acts of the Boko-Haram since 2009 have created a state ofpalpable fear in Nigeria and beyond, while the helpless posture of governments is worrisome.Nigeria   currently  faces   security   and  developmental   dilemma   with  the   crucible   of  terrorismlargely enveloped in the foreign policy perspective with neighbours (Akpomera, & Omoyibo,2013).The year 2009 was a watershed for Boko Haram, with violence erupting in July of the same yearleading with destruction of the mosque headquarters of the sect leader by the Nigerian military.Yusuf was captured by the soldiers, handed over to the state police officers, but extra-judiciallykilled in police captivity. The consequent violent revolt by the Boko Haram sect members, nowdirected by the new leader, Abubakar Mohammed Shekau, as at 31st December, 2011 well over3,500 people have been internally displaced, 264 children orphaned, 392 women widowed, 28policemen killed, several police stations razed, over 700 inmates, forcefully released, especiallythe   sect   members,   from   the   Bauchi   Prisons   and   109   killed   in   bomb   explosions   near   theMogadishu Barracks in Abuja (Onuoha, 2011).1

Boko  Haram can  be understood  as  an Islamist  insurgency that  has  risen from  political andreligious discontent within Nigeria (Adesoji, 2011; Onuoha, 2012). This extremist sect threatensthe security, sovereignty and stability of Nigeria, particularly northern Nigeria, by a range ofhigh profile attacks on the military, police, schools, political figures and other infrastructure(Nicoll,  2011). Boko  Haram  are  a Nigerian  militant  Islamist  sect which  seeks  political  andreligious reform within Nigeria specifically the adoption of Sharia law with beliefs based in thepractise of Orthodox Islam (Bagaji, 2012).The impact of Boko Haram on Nigeria National Security and the need for the Nigerian state toensure development has led to the development of counter terrorism strategies. It is increasingly recognized that there exist a relationship between  security  and  development.Security influences a country’s developmental process. Insecurity disrupts countries and preventsthe achievement of development programmes. Development provides well-being to population.A country that experiences no economic and social development cannot claim welfare.Nigeria’s development has generated a lot of discourse in recent time. This is because of theserious attention and commitments the nation engaged in tackling intractable conflicts and issueson the continent of Africa and the world at large. The foundation of this was rooted on theprinciple  of   ‘Africa  as  the  centre-piece   of  Nigerian foreign  policy   that  was  concretized   bysuccessive   governments.   Since   the   return   of   democratic   rule   to   Nigeria   in  1999,   however,internal insecurity and the Boko Haram insurgencies remain a contending issue that has attractedinternational and local reactions over the ways and manners at which security related matters areaddressed in the country. Internal security and challenges of development under the JonathanGood luck administration over time have degenerated to the extent of creating a disconnection2

between government and the governed that have equally resulted into mistrust that gave birth tostate of insecurity and underdevelopment in the country.  In a situation where a state lacks the possessing power and capabilities to defend the citizens andpromote her economic development, the question of independence, territorial sovereignty andnational development are affected. Conversely, a state that lacks the basic capabilities such as:political, economic, industrial and technology to establish and project strong national defenceand security structure would become vulnerable and exposed to various threats and challengesthat could undermine her independence and development of the state. In the midst of risinginterest and actual investment into Nigeria’s economy, insecurity is emerging as the biggestthreat to sustaining the tempo of investment inflow in the country (Braithwaite, 1988)On that premise the position of the Nigerian government to deal decisively with the Boko Haraminsurgency in the North –East (Yobe State) has placed the Nigerian security agencies incapableof providing lasting solution to the prevailing crisis of insecurity in the country and adverselyaffect  the  nation’s  development.  More  worrisome  is  the  silent  suspicion  that  some  securityagencies were actually involved in the busi