TERRORISM AND IT'S IMPLICATIONS ON GLOBAL SECURITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY (A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA)

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Terrorism poses a significant global security challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Numerous militant and terrorist organisations have emerged, transforming the continent into a hub of violent terrorist actions. In recent years, Northeastern Nigeria has been plagued by extremist terrorist activities, with Boko Haram emerging as one of the most lethal jihadist groups in the region. Boko Haram has emerged as the dominant terrorist group in Nigeria, with a staggering number of over 5 million internally displaced persons, kidnappings, and fatalities. Boko Haram's affiliation with ISIS has granted it access to significant resources within the global terrorist network (Ndinojuo, 2018). According to a study conducted by the University of Maryland for the American government, Boko Haram-related deaths surpass those caused by al Qaeda in Iraq, the Maoists in India, and al-Shabab and al Qaeda Arabian Peninsula (Aghedo & Eke, 2013). The existing literature indicates that the Nigerian government has been unable to effectively combat these acts of terrorism. Although extensive research, articles, and presentations have been conducted on the terrorist activities of Boko Haram and ISIS, there remains a lack of understanding regarding the extent to which the alliance with ISIS has influenced Boko Haram's actions in Nigeria. This dissertation aims to address the lack of research on the collateral consequences and global security threats associated with such an alliance.

Terrorism is a highly contentious concept that sparks intense debate. Ronczkowski (2018) highlights the significant factors contributing to the emergence of terrorist groups in the modern world, including religion, cultures of origin, and environmental impact. Terrorism is a highly aggressive form of aggression. The perpetrators employ acts of violence or make violent threats in order to instill fear and intimidate individuals and governments, all in pursuit of their religious, political, and ideological objectives. Boko Haram surfaced in the early 2000s, and the intensity of its attacks is among the most severe witnessed worldwide (Thurston, 2018). So, what exactly is terrorism? How should we approach this issue? What data do we need to collect and how should we analyse it? What specific aspects are we trying to uncover, and why do criminologists continue to find terrorism investigation important (Ronczkowski, 2018)?

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of State (DoS), and the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) provide commonly cited definitions of terrorism. The FBI has provided a clear definition of terrorism, which involves the unlawful utilisation of force and violence to instill fear or coerce a government, civilian population, or any group that supports political or social goals. The DoS has provided a clear definition of terrorism, stating that it involves violent or dangerous acts against individuals. These acts would be considered criminal if committed within the United States and are intended to intimidate or coerce civilians, influence government policy through intimidation or coercion, or impact government conduct through assassination or kidnapping. According to the DoD, terrorism is defined as the deliberate use of violence or the threat of violence to instill fear, with the aim of pressuring governments or societies to align with certain political, religious, or ideological objectives (Ronczkowski, 2018). The African Union (formerly known as the Organisation of African Unity [OAU], 1999, p. 207) has provided a comprehensive definition of terrorism. According to their definition, terrorism refers to any act that violates the criminal laws of a state party and poses a threat to the life, physical well-being, or freedom of individuals. It also includes acts that result in severe injury or death to individuals or groups, as well as those that cause damage to public or private property, natural resources, or cultural heritage. Boko Haram meets all the criteria to be classified as a terrorist group, as they have gained global recognition through their affiliation with ISIS. According to Phillip Zimbardo, terrorism revolves around the manipulation of fear (cited in Bongar, 2007, p. 3). In his 2001 work, Onwudiwe emphasises the unjustifiable nature of the terror that takes the lives of innocent people.

Background and Significance

Between 2000 and 2020, Nigeria experienced a significant rise in terrorist activities, resulting in the displacement of over 5 million people in northeastern Nigeria. The attacks by Boko Haram started in 2003 when the followers of the radical leader Mohammed Yusuf moved to remote areas of Yobe State and engaged in frequent clashes with local authorities. In 2009, the group initiated an uprising in northeastern Nigeria following clashes with the security authorities of Maiduguri state. Throughout this intense confrontation, which spanned approximately 5 days, it is reported that more than 800 individuals lost their lives. Yusuf was captured by the Nigerian military and later transferred to the police. Unfortunately, he passed away while in custody (Mike, 2015).

After the 2009 military assault that led to Yusuf's death, the Boko Haram terrorist group remained inactive for approximately a year. After the assault, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of BH, managed to escape to the neighbouring country of Chad or Sudan, despite being reportedly shot in the leg. It was predicted by researchers that there would be a resurgence of violence, particularly due to the prevalent issues of extreme poverty, corruption, inadequate education, and limited employment opportunities for young people. The terrorist group crisis took on a notorious dimension when they began carrying out suicide bombing attacks, utilising a large number of frustrated Almajiri to perpetrate the violence. The Boko Haram crisis in the northeast is greatly influenced by poverty. The connection between poverty and terrorism is highlighted by the low socio-economic indicator of the region (Mike, 2015; Olanrewaju, 2019). In 2009, Boko Haram pledged their loyalty to ISIS. The group carried out a series of violent attacks on military formations and unarmed citizens, with one of their most notorious acts being the abduction of approximately 300 secondary school girls in Chibok, located in Nigeria's remote northeast (Mike, 2015).

This case study aims to raise global awareness of the violent terrorist activities in Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa. This information will greatly benefit the federal government of Nigeria, researchers, NGOs, human rights activist groups, and private and public security agencies. It will enhance their overall understanding of the alliance between the two world's deadliest terrorist groups. Additionally, it will offer valuable insights for policymakers, with potential implications for both Nigerian and global securitization solutions. This case study is likely to generate more interest in Nigeria's current state of insecurity, enhance understanding of terrorism-related issues, and highlight areas for future research.

Research Objectives

The main objective of this case study is to examine the implications of terrorism in Nigeria on global security. Specifically, this study will:

1. Analyze the ideology of religion, the origin of culture, and the Almajiri syndrome among northern Nigerian youths, seeing as the terrorist group exploit these stress-induced societal issues and preys on the vulnerable as potential recruits with promises of economic deliverance;

2. Review the role of poverty in the fight and struggle between Boko Haram and the Federal government of Nigeria;

3. Examine poverty as a strain and struggle among the youth who are potential recruits for the terrorist groups; and

4. Determine the response of the Nigerian military to terrorist activities in the northeastern part of the country and assess the role of policymakers in the issue of terrorism.

Research Purpose Statement

This case study aims to analyse terrorist insurgencies in Nigeria, specifically focusing on the Boko Haram and ISIS terrorist alliance and its global security threat. The study also explores the collateral consequences associated with this alliance. The case study centres around the years 2000–2020. This piece provides a comprehensive analysis of the history of terrorism, delving into the specific religious, political, and social objectives that have propelled the rise of Boko Haram. Additionally, it sheds light on the global security implications that extend beyond the borders of Nigeria. I delve into Boko Haram's radicalization process and recruitment strategies, analysing how potential recruits are persuaded to embrace the extremist ideology. The relevance of the ideology's origin in distinguishing between homegrown and international terrorism is insignificant; the crucial factor lies in the location where it is embraced (Southers, 2013). This qualitative case research aims to offer a historical analysis of terrorism in Nigeria, shedding light on the alliance between the world's two deadliest jihadist groups. It also explores the collateral consequences, such as economic hopelessness, extreme poverty among the Almajiris, loss of faith in the social contract with the State, and the impact of corrupt leadership. Furthermore, it highlights the global security threat posed by this terrorist alliance.

The research has primarily focused on these groups individually, with little attention given to their deadly jihadist alliance. This study delves into the Nigerian security situation, going beyond the current governmental strategies. It explores the relevance of this local story in the context of the broader global security threat, examining its meanings and operations. I delve into different definitions and analyse the economic, religious, political, and social consequences of these conflicts from criminological and criminal justice viewpoints. The purpose, along with suggestions, is to consider the potential policy implications as measures to prevent terrorism in its early stages.

Research Problem Statement

The problem addressed in this case study is the ongoing insurgency by the Boko Haram and ISIS terrorist alliance in Nigeria, which poses a significant global security threat with far-reaching consequences. The initial successes achieved by ISIS in their jihadist endeavours in Iraq and Syria are widely recognised as innovative and appealing to these destructive alliances, particularly in their efforts to gain influence in Nigeria, Africa's most populous state (Culp, 2019). The brutal killings and destruction of property in northeastern Nigeria serve as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life. Despite the Nigerian government's claims of victory over Boko Haram, recent events paint a different picture when assessing the country's ongoing terrorist security challenges from 2000 to 2020. Nigeria has been ranked as the third-most terrorised country in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), following Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to this, citizens in Nigeria face the unfortunate situation of having to pay tolls in order to access their farmlands. State and federal legislators have expressed deep concern over the ongoing raids and the disregard for human lives, as the country's northeastern region has tragically witnessed an estimated 5 million deaths. Despite the well-written analysis, numerous questions persist regarding the effectiveness of the Nigerian government's strategies in addressing these severe criminal activities, economic devastation, and the resulting hardships faced by the citizens, especially during the ongoing economic recession. In addition, it is evident that the Nigerian military has yet to demonstrate their true readiness to combat the terrorists who have seized control of numerous villages in the northeastern region. Some people believe that the Nigerian government's military responses to the consequences of terrorism within the country are reminiscent of a dangerous game of Russian roulette, with the lives and livelihoods of millions at risk. I aim to expand the current understanding of the alliance between Boko Haram and ISIS, focusing on the potential consequences of their collaboration and the global security implications. The text delves into the exploration of various societal issues such as religion, unemployment, and the Almajiri syndrome among northern Nigerians. It highlights how terrorist groups take advantage of these problems, targeting vulnerable individuals and offering them false promises of relief from their social and economic struggles.

Definition of Terms

Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI): This is a jihadist group in Iraq founded by Abu Musah al Zarqawi; it would later become the Islamic State of Iraq and later known as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, or ISIS. It refers to itself now only as the Islamic State.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM): This Qaeda affiliate operates in the Sahara and Sahel regions of North Africa.

Almajiri: A representation of students who leaves their parents for Qur’anic education.

Ansar Bayt al Maqdis (ABM): A jihadist group that arose following the Arab Spring in Egypt’s Sinai region. It has declared its territory in Sinai to be a province of ISIS.

Al Shabab: A group affiliated with al Qaeda with its base in Somali.

Boko Haram: This fundamentalist jihadi group in Nigeria, which took shape in northeastern Nigeria in the early 2000s, attracted support for its belief that Western-style education means “Boko,” in Hausa, which is evil and legally forbidden by the Islamic religion. The forbidden act is an Islamic legal term for Haram, in Hausa and Arabic. (Thurston, 2017)

Caliph: He is a ruler of the Muslim community and political successor of Muhammad.

Caliphate: This political-religious state is led by a caliph.

Eid al-Fitr: This is the last day of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and religious reflection.

Islamic Army of Iraq: A former Iraqi Sunni Arab insurgency group formed during the 2003 invasion. After the withdrawal of American troops in 2011, the group demilitarized and formed a political opposition group.

Islamic State (I.S.): This is the name of ISIS after it declared itself a caliphate.

Jihad: This means a struggle or striving in Islam.

Shariah: Shariah is the Islamic moral code and religious law. There are huge disagreements among Muslims about how Shariah fits into modern life. ISIS and AQ-affiliated groups embrace a harsh interpretation, but there are differences in the details for these two groups.

Sunnah: This is the recorded tradition of Prophet Muhammad.

Sunni Islam: This is the largest branch of Islam. It is often referred to as mainstream or orthodox Islam.