EVALUATION ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF TERRORISM ON STATE DEVELOPMENT; A CASE STUDY OF BORNO

1.1 Background of the Study Terrorism and insurgency have become recurring themes in today’s global discussions, as virtually no nation remains immune to their devastating effects. As noted by Rubenstein (2017), war, terrorism, and other forms of international violence have become increasingly destructive, particularly due to the growing number of civilian casualties. Despite the relevance of terrorism in global affairs, offering a universally accepted definition remains difficult. This is largely because scholars and nations differ widely in their interpretations of what constitutes terrorism (Okafor, 2016). Consequently, the term “terrorism” is perceived differently depending on one’s point of view—it may be seen as a tactical instrument, a form of warfare, a criminal activity, a religious duty, a response to perceived injustice, or even an inhumane act (Adejumobi, 2015). While terrorism and insurgency are not new occurrences on the global stage, they have taken on particular significance in Africa, especially Nigeria. The issue became highly visible with the rise of the Boko Haram insurgency around 2001. Terrorism and insurgency have become recurring themes in today’s global discussions, as virtually no nation remains immune to their devastating effects. Since its inception, Boko Haram has wreaked havoc across various parts of Nigeria, using bombings and armed attacks to claim thousands of lives (Adejumobi, 2015). The increasing frequency of these acts of terror has had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economic stability and national growth. In a bid to curb this menace, the Nigerian government has committed substantial financial resources to security since 2013. In addition, the Anti-Terrorism Act was passed by the National Assembly in 2011 as a legal step to address worsening crime rates and security threats (Adejumobi, 2015). Yet, despite these interventions, the security situation in Nigeria remains deeply troubling. This is reflected in the country’s dismal performance on the 2015 Global Peace Index (GPI), which underscores the ineffectiveness of some of the adopted security strategies. In response, the Nigerian government has turned to international allies—including the United States, Israel, and members of the European Union—for assistance in combating terrorism and restoring peace (Adejumobi, 2015). Nevertheless, Nigeria continues to face numerous developmental setbacks that threaten its social and economic progress. These include widespread poverty in both rural and urban regions, surging unemployment (especially among the youth), declining industrial productivity, a fragile and depreciating currency, persistent inflation, deteriorating infrastructure, mounting domestic debt, and a growing burden of external debt (Adejumobi, 2015). According to Ibegbu (2019), national security encompasses the absence of threats to a country’s peace, stability, and its political and economic ambitions. A review of existing literature affirms that social harmony, national unity, and long-term prosperity are inextricably linked to adequate security. It follows that ensuring national security is a fundamental prerequisite for economic advancement and development (Omotola, 2018). Understanding the relationship between terrorism and national development in Nigeria requires a broader view of its economy. The term "economy" refers to the overall wealth and resources of a nation, particularly regarding the production and consumption of goods and services by its people. It includes all the systems—whether local, regional, or national—that involve producers, distributors, and consumers. However, the Nigerian economy—especially in the northern parts—has suffered greatly as a result of insurgent violence. In states like Borno, Yobe, and Bauchi, many farmers who rely on subsistence agriculture no longer feel secure enough to cultivate their land, which has worsened the region’s food insecurity. Moreover, terrorist activities have severely disrupted the minimal infrastructure, businesses, and industries that previously existed in these areas, pushing the region further into economic stagnation. It is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the complex relationship between terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, with particular focus on their socio-economic consequences for development in Borno State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The rise of Boko Haram has introduced a violent and highly destructive form of terrorism into Nigeria’s already fragile security landscape. The group has orchestrated numerous bombings and abductions, often targeting civilians. One of its most notorious attacks was the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja (Adesoji, 2015). Terrorism imposes a heavy economic toll on both wealthy and developing nations. However, the effects tend to be far more devastating in low-income countries that rely heavily on a single source of revenue than in well-diversified, industrial economies. If Nigeria fails to effectively neutralize the ongoing terrorist threat, it risks even greater economic instability. Investor confidence will likely diminish further, resulting in a sharp drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) as global investors redirect their capital toward more stable and secure environments. When a nation is perceived as insecure or unstable, people’s willingness to invest, purchase, or lease property declines rapidly. In such circumstances, both local and foreign investors retreat, thereby stifling economic growth (Cilliers, 2016). Terrorism thus emerges as a direct threat to a nation’s political, social, and economic well-being. It contributes to underdevelopment by discouraging investments, reducing quality of life, destroying social and human capital, and weakening the connection between the government and its citizens. These impacts also jeopardize democratic governance, erode the rule of law, and undermine a country’s ability to pursue sustainable development goals (Okafor, 2016). Given the severity of these challenges, this research seeks to assess how terrorism affects socio-economic development in Borno State—an area that has borne the brunt of insurgency-related destruction in Nigeria. 1.3 Objective of the study The primary objective of the study is to Analyze the Socio-Economic Impact of Terrorism on the Development of Borno State. Other specific objectives are as follows: 1. To evaluate the causes of terrorism in Borno state. 2. To examine the effect of terrorism on the socio- economic activity of Borno state. 3. To find out the implications of terrorist activities on development of Borno state. 4. To find out ways of curbing terrorist activities in Borno state. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for this study 1) What are the causes of terrorism in Borno state? 2) What are the effect of terrorism on the socio- economic activity of Borno state? 3) What are the implications of terrorist activities on development of Borno state? 4) What are the ways of curbing terrorist activities in Borno state? 1.5 Significance of the study The significance of this study cannot be underestimated as:  This study will examine terrorism and it's socio-economic implication on the development of Borno state.  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. 1.6 Scope of the study This study will evaluate the causes of terrorism in Borno state. The study will also examine the effect of terrorism on the socio- economic activity of Borno state. The study will further find out the implications of terrorist activities on development of Borno state. Lastly, the study will find out ways of curbing terrorist activities in Borno state. Hence the study will be delimited to Borno state. 1.7 Limitation of the study This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows: just like any other research, ranging from unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, inability to get data Financial constraint , was faced by the researcher ,in getting relevant materials and in printing and collation of questionnaires Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy for the researcher 1.8 Definition of terms Terrorism: the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims Economy: the state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money. Implication: the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated. Development; the process of developing or being developed.