AN EVALUATION OF NIGERIAN ARMY COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGIES IN NORTH EASTERN STATE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to examine and evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria Army counter terrorism strategies in North-Eastern state of Nigeria, a case study of Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole in Borno State from 2011 - 2018. As the Boko Haram terrorist group wages war on a widening range of targets in Nigeria, the inefficiency of the government has been starkly revealed – along with the urgent need for deep-cutting political and socio-economic reforms to counter a growing sense of insecurity. The north has been particularly hard-hit, with poor governance, omnipresent corruption and worsening social indicators compounding the security problem. Boko Haram, originally a peaceful Islamist movement, has moved progressively towards militant extremism since 2009, regularly attacking Nigerians and foreigners, Christians and Muslims, northerners and even residents of the capital, troops and civilians, in an effort to destabilise the state. For a number of years the group was treated as an internal Nigerian problem. However, Boko Haram’s illicit and armed activities increasingly take place across the country’s borders. When more than 200 girls were kidnapped in the town of Chibok in April 2014, it was clear that neighbouring countries and the international community would need to coordinate their efforts. In addition to launching a direct response to the security threat, the Nigerian government must address a wide range of grievances to eliminate the root causes of the insurgency in the long term. To effectively carry out this research,(200) two hundred questionnaire were administered, (187) one hundred and eighty seven copies were returned and (180) one hundred and eighty copies are used. After critical analysis of the data collected, findings revealed that the Nigerian Army Counter Terrorism Strategies are effectively implemented. The manifestations of a fragile state were seen as factors responsible for the nonoptimal performance of these policies in the course of implementation. The need to strengthen state institutions was given as suggestion on how to make the policies work effectively.

KEYWORD: Boko Haram, Conflict, Crisis, National Stability and Terrorism. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title      page

DeclarationI

CertificationII

DedicationIII

AcknowledgementIV

Abstract V

Table of contentVI

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study1

1.2Statement of research problem5

1.3Research questions6

1.4Objective of the study7

1.5Research hypothesis 7

1.6Significance of the study8

1.7Chapter Organization8

1.8Definition of terms9

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1Preamble13

2.2Review of Related Literature13

2.2.1Concept of Terrorism13

2.2.2Nigerian Army Counter-Terrorism Strategies15

2.2.3The Rise of Boko Haram in Nigeria17

2.2.4The Nature of Terrorist Groups24

2.2.5The Impacts of Terrorism in Nigeria26

2.2.6Adopted Counter Terrorism Strategies in Nigeria 28

2.2.7Nigerian Government’s Response to Boko Haram Insurgency31

2.2.8Global Counter Terrorism Measures and Human Right33

2.3Theoretical Framework of the Study36

2.3.1Human Needs Theory36

2.3.2Leaders and Followers Theory37

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research design39

3.2Location of the Study39

Sources of data collection 39

3.4Techniques of Data Collection40

3.4.1Survey Techniques40

Interview Guide40

3.5Sampling Techniques 41

3.6Techniques of Data Analysis 41

Validation and reliability of instruments42

3.8Problems Encountered in the Field43

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

 Preamble44

 Analysis of respondents’ characteristics and classifications45

 Analysis of research questions46

 Test of hypothesis55

 Discussion of the findings62

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1Summary of the Findings63

5.2Conclusion 64

5.3Recommendations65

References67

Appendix