Combating Violent-Extremism and Insurgency in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Boko Haram Scourge

Abstract

The most recent extremist group in Nigeria, Boko Haram, continues to grow, committing various extremist acts, such as sporadic suicide bombings and killing of innocent citizens and foreigners within the country. The current history of Nigeria is a combustible mix of violent extremism and thriving homegrown insurgencies. Rather than internally tackling the challenge, the Nigerian government perpetually seeks international interventions to assist with the rising crisis. The fabric of Nigeria's unity appears to be ripped by violent-extremism and homegrown insurgency. The missing link here is a clear focus on tackling the prevailing domestic factors that persistently fan the flames of extremism and insurgency in Nigeria. This thesis examines the contextual factors that are indispensable in explaining the causes of violence in Nigeria and unravels the dominant factor driving violent extremism and insurgency in Nigeria. Specifically, it also provides a better understanding of the dominant insurgent groupthe Boko Haram sectand the effects of violence and insurgency on the oneness of the Nigerian State. It also suggests possible solutions which include traditional conflict resolution approaches to curb the menace of violent-extremism and insurgency in Nigeria.