AN EXAMINATION OF TERRORISM AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA NORTH CENTRAL REGION

1.1 Background Terrorism and insecurity have become global phenomena, affecting virtually every nation regardless of geography or development status. As Rubenstein (2017) notes, modern-day war, terrorism, and various forms of political violence have become deadlier, especially with the alarming rise in civilian casualties. However, arriving at a universally accepted definition of "terrorism" remains challenging. This difficulty largely stems from the lack of consensus among scholars and policymakers regarding what actions constitute terrorism (Okafor, 2016). Depending on the standpoint, terrorism has been described as a method and a strategy, a criminal act or a divine duty, a justified response to oppression or a morally reprehensible offense (Adejumobi, 2015). The prevalence of terrorism and insecurity is especially pronounced in Africa, with Nigeria being a notable hotspot. Since 2001, Nigeria has grappled with the Boko Haram insurgency, which has inflicted extensive damage across the country. The group has primarily used firearms and explosives to cause mass casualties and widespread panic (Adejumobi, 2015). The persistence and growing frequency of terrorist attacks have had a profound negative impact on Nigeria’s economy and national development. In response to this growing threat, the Nigerian National Assembly enacted the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2011 as part of efforts to strengthen national security and curb the increasing crime rate (Adejumobi, 2015). Nevertheless, these legislative and security interventions have yet to yield the desired outcomes, as terrorism and insecurity continue to be pervasive in the country. This persistent insecurity is reflected in Nigeria's low ranking on the 2015 Global Peace Index (GPI), underscoring the ineffectiveness of current strategies. Due to the increasing complexity of the security situation, the Nigerian government has sought international support from countries like the United States, Israel, and the European Union (Adejumobi, 2015). Still, alongside the deteriorating security landscape, Nigeria faces a host of development challenges that significantly threaten its socioeconomic stability. These include widespread poverty in both rural and urban areas, soaring unemployment—especially among youth—low industrial productivity, volatile exchange rates, high inflation, dilapidated infrastructure, mounting domestic debt, and increasing foreign debt (Adejumobi, 2015). Security, as defined by some scholars, refers to the absence of threats to a nation's stability, peace, unity, and its political and socioeconomic goals (Ibegbu, 2019). Thus, there is general agreement in the literature that national security is critical for sustained unity, progress, and development. National security, therefore, serves as a foundational requirement for economic growth and prosperity (Omotola, 2018). Analysing Nigeria’s economy provides a pathway for understanding the link between terrorism and national development. The economy, broadly defined, encompasses the wealth and resources of a nation, particularly concerning production, distribution, and consumption. It includes the complex network of producers, distributors, and consumers within local, regional, or national settings. However, the actions of insurgents—especially in the northern region—have significantly undermined economic activities. In states like Borno, Yobe, and Bauchi, many smallholder farmers no longer feel safe enough to cultivate their land, thereby worsening food insecurity in the region. Furthermore, terrorism has destroyed key infrastructure, disrupted businesses, and brought developmental efforts to a standstill. Therefore, this study aims to critically examine the issue of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Northern Region. 1.2 Problem Statement Over the past decade, human security in Nigeria has been severely compromised due to the continued activities of the Boko Haram insurgency. The group has carried out widespread kidnappings, especially of schoolchildren and women, while also targeting educational institutions, government facilities, markets, farms, and entire communities in the northern part of the country. These acts of terror not only endanger the safety and well-being of citizens but also impose significant social, economic, and political costs both within Nigeria and on the global stage. Boko Haram has introduced a particularly dangerous form of terrorism into Nigeria's security landscape. The group has executed numerous bombings and abductions, including attacks on high-profile targets like the United Nations building in Abuja (Adesoji, 2015). The impact of terrorism and insecurity on national economies is far-reaching, and it is often more severe in developing countries with mono-product economies. In such fragile economies, sustained terrorist activity can result in investor flight, reduced foreign direct investment (FDI), and diminished investor confidence. When people perceive a country as insecure, their willingness to invest, purchase, or rent assets in that country significantly declines. Nations plagued by insecurity naturally repel both foreign and local investments (Cilliers, 2016). As a result, terrorism undermines a country’s economic, social, and political foundations. It contributes to underdevelopment by discouraging investment, lowering living standards, depleting human and social capital, and weakening the relationship between citizens and the state. In doing so, it erodes democracy, undermines the rule of law, and reduces the government’s ability to foster development (Okafor, 2016). In light of these concerns, this study seeks to investigate the persistent issues of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, focusing particularly on their implications in the Northern Region. 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY Generally, the study will examine Terrorism and Insecurity in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Northern Region. Specifically the study will: i. Evaluate the causes of terrorism and insecurity in Northern region of Nigeria. ii. Examine the effect of terrorism and insecurity on the socio-economic activity of Northern region of Nigeria. iii. Find out the implications of insecurity on development of Northern region of Nigeria. iv. Find out ways of curbing terrorism and insecurity activities in Northern region of Nigeria. 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following questions have been prepared for the study: i. What are the causes of terrorism and insecurity in Northern region of Nigeria? ii. What is the effect of terrorism and insecurity on the socio-economic activity of Northern region of Nigeria? iii. What are the implications of insecurity on development of Northern region of Nigeria? iv. What are the ways of curbing terrorism and insecurity activities in Northern region of Nigeria? 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS Ho1: There are no factors associated with terrorism in Northern region of Nigeria. Ho2: Terrorism and insecurity has no significant implication on the socio-economic activity of Northern region of Nigeria. Ho3: Terrorism and insecurity has no significant implication on the development of Northern region of Nigeria 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The significance of this study cannot be underestimated as: This study will examine Terrorism and Insecurity in Nigeria. The findings of this research work will undoubtedly provide the much needed information to government organizations, as they will be able to work hand in hand with security agencies so as to curb terrorism in Borno state. This study will be significant to the ministry of defence as it will expose them to the need to purchase more fire arms and devise a better strategy that will help in combating terrorism. This study will also be of benefit to the academia community as it will contribute to the existing literature on terrorism. 1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY The study focuses on terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. Hence, the study will evaluate the causes of terrorism and insecurity in Northern region of Nigeria, examine the effect of terrorism and insecurity on the socio-economic activity of Northern region of Nigeria, Find out the implications of insecurity on development of Northern region of Nigeria and find out ways of curbing terrorism and insecurity activities in Northern region of Nigeria. Hence the study is delimited to Northern region of Nigeria. 1.8 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research methodology deals with the different ways or methods the researcher applied in order to carry out the research as well as the instrument used for gathering the data. There are several research methodologies appropriate for answering the research questions. The type of research methodology used in this research to gather data and relevant information is the historical research and the study will adopt descriptive method of data collection. This will involve the collection of materials from secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, magazines, internet sources, international and national conference proceedings, published and unpublished articles. 1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY The study consisted of five chapters. Chapter one comprised background of the study and a general introduction to the work. It included statement of problem of the study, highlighted the objectives of the study, the scope within which the research was conducted is also highlighted. An outline of how the work is organized is also detailed in the chapter one. The chapter two of the study reviewed the causes of terrorism and insecurity in Northern region of Nigeria. Chapter three discussed examine the effect of terrorism and insecurity on the socio-economic activity of Northern region of Nigeria. Chapter four find out the implications of insecurity on development of Northern region of Nigeria and find out ways of curbing terrorism and insecurity activities in Northern region of Nigeria and the chapter five is a summary of the major findings with recommendations and conclusion to the study.