Terrorist Framework and Inclination: The Behavourial Pattern of Boko Haram in Nigeria

Abstract

Boko Haram has become a household name in Nigeria, Africa and globally. In Nigeria, people refer “Boko Haram” to persons who threaten others or cause others to panic. In public and private spheres, people scamper for their live at the shout of “Boko Haram”! These describe the level of insecurity and security alert that Boko Haram has occasioned in Nigeria. Alert, not in the sense of responding to ensured security, but rather in the sense of a level of consciousness devoid of security and safety―a reaction to hopeless situation. This is because the security personnel (police or military) has never prevented attacks or raids by Boko Haram or known to have carried out any swift operation to rescue victims of attacks or raids. The last two decades (more since 2012) has witnessed a collapse of national and sub-regional security owing to the activities of Boko Haram. The security situation has continued to degenerate, despite national, regional, and international efforts to contain the threats and activities of Boko Haram. Boko Haram has carried out more than 330 successful attacks and raids, more than 50 suicide attacks, destroyed more than 20 national and international symbols, Since 2011, the sect has withstood Nigeria’s military and defense strategies with equanimity, claiming more than 200 Nigerian plus 92 military Chadian personnel, capturing and destroying more than $200 million worth of military equipment. Military installations, open markets, religious-worshipping houses, government and defense institutions have remained consistent targets for Boko Haram’s attack. The level of attacks, intelligence and near unbeatable approach being displayed by Boko Haram situate Boko Haram in de broader framework of international terrorism and depict a high level of negligence or compromise from the security institutions and the Nigerian state. The swapping of captives, striking of deals, negotiated release of Boko Haram captives, attempts at general or selected amnesty, and the huge benefits of political economy of terrorism equally suggest that Boko Haram has not only been an enemy, but a veritable partner of the Nigerian State, with its defeat not foreseeable anytime in the near future.