Socio-Economic Implications of Boko haram Insurgency in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria has posed a multifaceted threat to the nation since 2009. Successive governments have tried all possible measures to curtail it with no significant success recorded. The academia has also not been passive; hence the phenomenon has been approached from religious and political viewpoints. However, adequate attention has not been paid to its socio-economic implications. Therefore, this paper examined the Boko Haram insurgency and the challenges it poses to social and economic development of Nigeria and the implications of such for communities free from its activities. The work adopted historical method, which involved archival search, use of other academic materials such as journal articles, books and newspapers. Oral interviews   were conducted with victims of Boko Haram who have relocated from affected places to southern part of the country. It was established that Boko Haram insurgency has wreaked much havoc on social and economic activities, culminating in retardation of growth and development in the country. The paper recommended the need for serious commitment on the part of the government in equipping the security agents and   fighting corruption in the security system. More importantly, prosecution of identified Boko Haram sponsors must be done without fear or favour.

Keywords:  Religious relations, Boko Haram insurgency, Northern Nigeria, social effects, economic effects