Impact Of Boko Haram Insurgency On Human Security In Borno State, Northern Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue III, March 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Impact Of Boko Haram Insurgency On Human Security In Borno State, Northern Nigeria

Sarki, Samuel Mshelizah (Ph.D.)
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
The study examined Boko Haram Insurgency and Human Security in Borno State, Nigeria. The study formulated three research objectives, three research questions and three research hypotheses. The study was based on the Merton Anomie Theory. The study adopted a quantitative methodology using descriptive research design. A sample size of 400 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamani formula. The respondents were made up of Military personnel and civilians which were selected based on a multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaire and Interview were the instruments used for data collection. The instrument gave high reliability of 0.84 when subjected to reliability test using Cronbach Alpha method. Collated data from the study were analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation and regression analysis. The findings indicated a weak relationship between Boko Haram insurgency and health services, food security, environmental security in Borno State. The study concluded that the Boko Haram situation demands the political will and the articulation of a comprehensive strategy to address its root causes and dangerous dynamics, focusing on a soft approach that could erode the appeal of Boko Haram’s insidious ideology. The study recommended that the government should put its focus on the protection of civilians, witnesses and key peacemakers such as moderate Imams who preach against the insurgency.

Key words: Boko Haram, Human Security, Insurgency, Borno State, amongst others.

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Borno State, like many other states in the Northern Nigeria, has witnessed several attacks emanating from the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic insurgent sect operating in that region of the Country. Contemporary discussions on the activities of this terrorist group revealed that Borno State is its base (Abinbola, 2012). Analysis of the activities of the group is replete with issues surrounding insecurity, due to the linkages with economic, social, political and governance, with spiraling effects on the people of Borno State (Adams et al, 2014).
In 1999, the people of Nigeria returned to democratic rule, and saw hope for better future under a civilian government. Consequently, the International Community lifted economic sanctions and other security restrictions imposed on Nigeria. However, hope soon turned into frustration as the people witnessed increased levels of insecurity, economic problems and the threat of terrorism with the Boko Haram sect at the forefront. The group has become a threat to both internal and international security beyond Nigeria to her neigbours. With consistent violent attacks on security forces, civilians, churches, mosques, farms, media houses, schools as well as the United Nations building in 2011.

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