Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Strategies: Implications For Nigerian Federalism

Abstract

In the past few decades, the Nigerian state was confronted by different ethno-religious militancy and terrorism. The emergence of Boko Haram, its terrorist disposition and its different character from that of other violent groups called for a review of the government’s response to violent conflict. The root causes of dissent and armed insurrection in the eastern part of the North include underdevelopment in this region. The state’s failure to provide proper services and infrastructure accounts for the continued violence perpetrated by various armed groups. A typical example is the neglect of the oil community of the Niger Delta, which has engendered armed insurgency and militancy. Furthermore, distorted federal arrangements explain poor government performance that is linked to sub-national units’ weak financial capacity. Drawing on frustration-aggression and state fragility theories, this chapter explores how armed groups have exploited the Nigerian state’s fragility to compel it to engage in the development of their regions. A return to federalism and diversion of the state’s economic base from crude oil would facilitate sustainable peace and the country’s security.