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The dilemmas of counter-bokoharamism: Debating state responses to Boko Haram terrorism in northern Nigeria

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Abstract

This article examines the strategic and operational responses adopted by the Nigerian government in countering Boko Haram terrorism, with a view to understanding the prevailing tensions and debates that have trailed these responses. It argues that the predominantly military approach to countering Boko Haram terrorism would continue to generate tensions between government and the local people, unless a more robust counter-terrorism strategy is designed and implemented together with significant governance and political reforms, geared at reversing the historic social and economic imbalance in northern Nigeria. The article therefore recommends improvement in good governance and increased citizen participation in the political space, among others, as measures for sustainably managing Boko Haram terrorism.

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Notes

  1. Amnesty International in its recent report Nigeria: Trapped in a Circle of Violence claims that since June 2010 people claiming to be Boko Haram have killed over 1000 people in attacks and assassinations, whereas Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, General A Ihejirika, says that sect members have killed over 3000 people since 2008. On these contradictory casualty figures, see Amnesty International (2012, p. 11); and D Akinyemi & D Akinrefon, Boko Haram has killed 3000-Chief of Army Staff, Vanguard, 5 November 2012.

  2. Setback as FG, Boko Haram intermediary, four others quit; Ceasefire on hold, The Punch newspaper, Monday, 19 March 2012.

  3. On these collaborations, see, among others, Kingsley Omonodi, Boko Haram: South Korea to assist Nigeria on Counter-Terrorism, The Guardian newspaper 14 February 2012; Nigeria, EU Plan Action Against Terrorism, others, The Guardian, Thursday 9 February 2012; Terrorism: French Naval Ship arrives Lagos with 30 Officers, The Nigeria Tribune 14 February 2012; FG Partners US, others on Counter-Terrorism, The Punch newspaper, Wednesday, 7 December 2012.

  4. Tackling terrorism in Nigeria with foreign aid, The Nigeria Pilot, 22 February 2012.

  5. Boko Haram: FEC Endorses White paper on Galtimari Report, Vanguard, 7 March 2012.

  6. Why we should negotiate with Boko Haram, www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/newsflash/why-we-must-negotiate-with-boko-haram-el-rufai.html.

  7. See Do not Negotiate with Boko Haram-FG warned by US, EU, The Punch newspaper, 9 July 2011.

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  1. African Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, National Defence College, PMB 323, Hebert Macaulay Way (North), Abuja, Nigeria

    Isaac Terwase Sampson

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Sampson, I. The dilemmas of counter-bokoharamism: Debating state responses to Boko Haram terrorism in northern Nigeria. Secur J 29, 122–146 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1057/sj.2013.2

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