Islamic Fundamentalism and National Security in Nigeria Analysis of Boko Haram, 2009-2014

ABSTRACT 

The contemporary Nigerian state is enmeshed in social problems which has deepened the developmental problems that plagued it over the years. Among these problems are kidnapping, armed robbery and terrorism. However, this study investigated the Islamic fundamentalism and national security in Nigeria with particular emphasis on the Boko Haram terrorist group from 2009- 2014. The specific objectives of the study are: (1.) To examine if the Islamic fundamentalism acted as preparatory ground for the Boko-Haram Insurgencies in Nigeria (2.) To find out if the activities of Boko Haram have undermined the national security in Nigeria between 2009 to 2014. The study relied on the qualitative method of data collections and also, employed the structural-functionalist persuasion to explain the genesis and causes Boko Haram insurgencies in Nigeria. Particularly, the study found that the Islamic fundamentalism acted as preparatory ground for the emergence of Boko Haram while the activities of the terrorist group has undermined the national security, thereby validating the initial hypothetical positions of the study. Arising from the above, the study recommended among other things, the involvement and synergization of all stakeholders in the input-output mechanism of the political system in order to maintain political stability and order in Nigeria. Finally, the study also recommended for the gradual de-emphasization and proscription of Sharia laws in northern Nigeria. 

Key Words: Fundamentalism, National Security, Terrorism, Nigerian State, Boko Haram.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page.......................................................................................................................... i

Approval Page................................................................................................................... ii

Dedication......................................................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgements........................................................................................................... iv

Table of Contents.............................................................................................................. v

List of Tables ................................................................................................................... vii

Abbreviations.................................................................................................................... viii

Abstract ............................................................................................................................ ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study ............................................................................................. 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................ 5

1.3 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................... 10

1.4 Significance of the Study............................................................................................. 10

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Islamic Fundamentalism and Boko Haram Insurgencies.............................................. 12

2.2 Boko Haram Islamic Fundamentalism and National Security....................................... 19

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Theoretical Framework .......................................................................................... 27

3.2 Hypotheses.................................................................................................................. 31

3.3 Research Design.......................................................................................................... 31

3.4 Methods of Data Collection......................................................................................... 34

3.5 Methods of Data Analysis ........................................................................................... 34

3.6 Logical Data Framework............................................................................................. 36

CHAPTER FOUR: ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM AND EMERGENCE OF BOKO HARAM

4.1 Understanding the Concept of Religious Fundamentalism and Background to Islamic Fundamentalism.......................................................................................... 38

4.2 History of Islam in Nigeria ......................................................................................... 49

4.3 Stages of Islamic Fundamentalism in Nigeria .............................................................. 54

4.4 Islamic Fundamentalism and Boko Haram Insurgencies in Nigeria.............................. 64

CHAPTER FIVE: BOKO HARAM ACTIVITIES AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

5.1 History of Boko Haram ............................................................................................... 68

5.2 Genesis of Boko Haram Violence ............................................................................... 70

5.3 Boko Haram and National Security in Nigeria ............................................................. 71

5.3.1. Boko Haram Activities and Loss of Human Lives and Properties in Nigeria ............ 72

5.3.2. Boko Haram Activities and Food Insecurity in Nigeria ............................................ 75

5.3.3. Boko Haram Activities and its Negative Effect in Education in Nigeria ................... 78

5.3.4. Boko Haram Activities and Loss of Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria ............... 81

5.3.5. Boko Haram Activities and External Implications on Nigerian State........................ 84

5.3.6. Boko Haram Activities and Economic Crises in Nigeria .......................................... 86

CHAPTER SEVEN: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Summary..................................................................................................................... 88

6.2 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 90

6.3 Recommendations....................................................................................................... 91

Bibliography.................................................................................................................... 92