Combating Terrorism: A Case Study of Nigeria Against Boko Haram Terrorist Group.

摘要

Nigeria is currently experiencing unusual security challenges caused by the recent emergence of terrorist acts by an Islamic extremist group in the country. The Islamic extremist group named 'Boko Haram' (BH), a Hausa phrase which means 'Western Education is forbidden,' became known in 2009 and operates mostly in the northern part of Nigeria. Attacks by the group have resulted in loss of lives, numbering in thousands and properties worth millions of dollars. The group has shaken the economy and threatens the sovereignty of Nigeria in many ways, including a bid to Islamize the country. The Nigerian Government (NG) has committed much effort in combating the BH terrorists, but the group continues to terrorize the country. The counterterrorism operation by NG against the terrorist group involves mostly a direct approach, which focuses on the use of force. Inadequate effort is observed to be given to the indirect approach to counterterrorism, which focuses on Inform and Influence Activities (IIA) and is a complementary approach to any counterterrorism operation that must succeed. This study identifies the indirect approach as part of a holistic NG's strategy for achieving successful counterterrorism operation against BH terrorist group. Specifically, the research creates and analyzes an IIA model for counterterrorism operation in Nigeria. The Model tests against the IIA as applied by the United States government in Operation Enduring Freedom for workability. This study concludes that the adoption of the Model as part of the NG counterterrorism effort may assist the government neutralize BH and prevent its re-emergence.