STATE FRAGILITY AND BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT

This study examined state fragility and Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, and the implication for national security and development. The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of state fragility on vulnerability to insecurity such as the Boko Haram insurgency and the impact on the country’s national security and development.In order to realize these objectives, the study formulated and answered the following research questions: What is the impact of state fragility on the level of insecurity with regard to the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria? How did the Boko Haram insurgency evolved? And what are its major activities and their effects on the Nigerian national security and development? What efforts has the Nigerian government made in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency? And what are the major setbacks to achieving a successful fight? And What are the policy options towards a successful eradication of the Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of security threats in Nigeria? The methodology utilized in this study was a survey involving the use of questionnaire. The findings in the research are as follows: The Nigerian state typifies a fragile state and this state of fragility makes her vulnerable to all forms of violent insecurity and incapable of adequately combating these security threats; The major triggers for the Boko Haram insurgency are socio-economic deprivation and governance failure in Nigeria; religious fanaticism by militant Islamic sects; and the violent reaction against the group by the Nigerian state; And the Nigerian government has tactically engaged the Boko Haram insurgency in a counter-insurgency measure through military equipment and collaboration with regional and international bodies; but major setbacks to achieving a successful fight includes, high level of corrupt practices in the Nigerian government; inadequate budgetary allocation to security/defence; and the lack of political will and capability to provide an effective counter-insurgency. The researcher therefore made the following suggestions: A comprehensive plan towards addressing the numerous causative factors for the Boko Haram insurgency; the provision of adequate resources to improve the professionalism and capability of the Nigeria Police and Armed Forces; an effective fight against all forms of corrupt practices and the delivering of good governance; and improved cooperation between Nigeria and her immediate neighbours as well as the international bodies for an effective front against the Boko Haram.