Youth and Terrorist Activities in Borno State, Nigeria

By Stephen B. Oladipo PhD

The book “Youth and Terrorist Activities in Borno State, Nigeria” is a PhD Thesis which dissects the origin of Bokoharam terrorist-sect and its module operandi in Nigeria. It gives an insight into the three (3) major influential factors boosting the sect’s activities. The factors are highlighted to include: socioeconomic condition (poverty), political motivation and religious fanaticism. The Youth remains the subset of vulnerability in all of this and, at the same time, the youth is the same instrument of chaos. In line with its theoretical discourse, the thesis anchors its proven assumptions around the theory of anomie and Cohen’s Sub-Cultural strain theory. With its use of survey method and other qualitative approaches in analyzing information from primary sources such as the direct victims and the captured Bokoharam sect-members; the thesis’ hypotheses are established. The hypotheses are established to confirm youth-exploitation as a result of deepening poverty, politically-driven terrorism and strong fanaticism challenge in Borno and indeed within the Nigerian state at large.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669859833

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Copyright © 2023 by Stephen B. Oladipo, PhD.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Rev. date: 12/29/2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Certification

Declaration

Acknowledgements

Abstract

List of Abbreviations

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Research Questions

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Literature Review

2.1.1 Concepts of Youth and Terrorism

2.1.2 Conceptualization of Terrorism

2.2 Issues in Nigeria Terrorism

2.2.1 Socio-economic Factors and Terrorist Activities in Nigeria

2.2.2 Almajiri System and Terrorist Activities of Bokoharam

2.2.3 Political Thuggery and Terrorist Activities in Nigeria

2.3 Influence of Global Proliferation of Terrorists on Nigeria

2.4 The Psycho-Social and Economic Effects of Terrorism

2.5 Theoretical Framework

2.5.1 The Theory of Anomie

2.5.2 Cohen’s Sub-Cultural Strain Theory

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

3.2 The Study Area

3.3 Population of the Study

3.4 Sampling Procedure

3.5 The sample size

3.6 Instrumention

3.6.1 Research Questionnaire

3.6.2 Key Informant Interview (KII)

3.7 Validation of the Instruments

3.8 Reliability of the Instrument

3.9 Administration of the Research Instrument

3.10 Method of Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis

4.2 Test of Hypotheses

4.3 Discussion of Findings

4.3.1 There is relationship between socio-economically disadvantaged youth and terrorist activities in Northern Nigeria

4.3.2 There is a relationship between political thug behavior and terrorist activities in Northern Nigeria

4.3.3 There is a relationship between ‘Almajiri’ system of Islamic education and terrorist activities

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations

5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies

References

Appendices

Appendix A: Letter of Introduction and Research Questionnaire

Appendix B: Questionnaire

Appendix C: In-Depth Interview Guide (I)

Appendix D: In-Depth Interview Guide (II)

Appendix E: List of incidents of Youth Terrorism in Nigeria (2009 – 2014)

Appendix F: Newspaper Reports on Socio-Economic Issues to Insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria

Appendix F (i)

Poverty Fuels Insurgency in North-East

(ii)

UNICEF: North-East Has 2.7m Almajiris

(iii)

Troops Fighting Insurgency Receive Poor Allowance

(iv)

Britain Deputy Prime Minister & Economic Growth Paradox in Nigeria

Appendix G: Newspaper Reports on Religious Influence on Terrorist Activities in Nigeria

Appendix G (i)

Our Agenda is to Wipe Out Christians – Boko-Haram

(ii)

Abubakar Shekau’s Speech: February 2014

(iii)

Continuation: Abubakar Shekau’s Speech: February 2014

(iv)

We Kill to Make Heaven – Boko Haram

(v)

Cont.: We Kill to Make Heaven – Boko Haram

(vi)

Abubakar Shekau’s Speech – May, 07, 204

(vii)

Continuation: Abubakar Shekau’s Speech – May, 07, 204

(viii)

Continuation: Abubakar Shekau’s Speech – May, 07, 204

(ix)

Continuation: Abubakar Shekau’s Speech – May, 07, 2014

Appendix H: Newspaper Reports on Political Undertone to Insurgent Activities in Nigeria

Appendix H (i)

Jonathan Blames Insurgency on Boko Haram’s Sponsor

(ii)

30 Boko-Haram Overran 1000 Troops

(iii)

Continuation: 30 Boko-Haram Overran 1000 Troops

(iv)

Over 100 Boko Haram Militants Killed by Camerounian Army

Appendix I: Newspaper Reports on International Links to Insurgency in Nigeria

Appendix I (i)

Al-Qaeda Trains Boko Haram – US Congress

(ii)

Niger Republic Group Claims B/Haram Links

(iii)

Continuation: Niger Republic Group Claims B/Haram Links

(iv)

Cameroun, Niger, Chad Behind Insurgency - Senators

(v)

Boko Haram Begins Recruitment in Niger

(vi)

Continuation: Boko Haram Begins Recruitment in Niger

LIST OF TABLES & CHARTS

Table 2.2CBN Analytical data on the Trends in Poverty Level by Zones in Nigeria (1994 - 2010)

Table 2.2.1Distribution of Poverty Incidence by type (2010)

Chart 2.2Estimated Population Versus Population in Poverty

Table 3.8Split-Half Reliability Coefficient of the Research Instrument

Table 4.1Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

Table 4.1.1Availability of massive employment opportunities for the youths in Borno State

Table 4.1.2Existence of a good percentage of youth between ages 6 ‒ 20 years in Borno state who could read & write in simple English

Table 4.1.3Existence of sound parental care and family life for children/youth in Borno state

Table 4.1.4Existence of sustainable empowerment programs for the youth in Borno State

Table 4.1.5Existence of Prevalence of Western Education rather than Islamic Education amongst the youth in Borno State

Table 4.1.6Prevalence of knowledge of science & technology rather than memorization of Quranic citations amongst youth in Borno State

Table 4.1.7Insurgents’ projection of national symbols rather than Arabic and quaranic postulations in their terrorism campaigns

Table 4.1.8Insurgents by religion are predominantly non-Muslim

Table 4.1.9No possible inter-relationship between insurgents and some Politicians

Table 4.1.10No Interaction between some Politicians and Terrorist members

Table 4.1.11No Political Party’s member has been linked to terrorist activities

Table 4.1.12Non-existence of intelligence sabotage/classified security information leakage to insurgents

Table 4.2.1Aggregate Responses on Socio-Economic Influence

Table 4.2.2Chi-Square Analysis on Socio-Economic and Terrorist Activities Variables

Table 4.2.3Aggregate Responses on the influence of almajiri system and Terrorist Activities

Table 4.2.4Chi-Square Analysis on almajiri system and Terrorist Activities Variables

Table 4.2.5Aggregate Responses on Influence of Political thuggery and Terrorist Activities

Table 4.2.6Chi-Square Analysis on Political Thuggery Influence and Terrorist Activities Variables

LIST OF PICTURES

Picture 2.2.1aPictorial View of Cross-Section of Almajiri Children in Northern Nigeria

Picture 2.2.1bPictorial View of a Typical Living Standard of Some Children in North-Eastern Nigeria

Picture 2.2.2aPictorial view of the Sect members with their ‘Religious Logo’ as displayed at the extreme corners

Picture 2.2.2bPictorial View of a Typical Almajiri Boy in Northern Nigeria

Picture 2.2.2cPictorial View of Almajiri Children in Northern Nigeria

Picture 2.2.2dPictorial View of a 13 year old female suicide bomber arrested in Kano on 24th December, 2014

Picture 3.2Pictorial Location of Borno State in Nigeria Map

YOUTH AND TERRORIST ACTIVITIES

IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

BY

OLADIPO, BUSAYO STEPHEN

SOC/Ph.D/11/003

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR

CALABAR-NIGERIA

JUNE, 2015

YOUTH AND TERRORIST ACTIVITIES

IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

BY

OLADIPO, BUSAYO STEPHEN

SOC/Ph.D/11/003

A DOCTORATE DEGREE THESIS

CARRIED OUT IN THE

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR,

CALABAR-NIGERIA

SUBMITTED TO

GRADUATE SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR

CALABAR-NIGERIA

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENT

FOR THE AWARD OF DOCTORATE

DEGREE (Ph.D) IN

SOCIOLOGY (CRIMINOLOGY)

JUNE, 2015

44_a_lbj6.jpg001_a_lbj6.jpg3%20doc.jpg4%20doc.jpg5%20doc.jpg6%20doc.jpg

DECLARATION

We declare that this thesis entitled ‘Youth and Terrorist Activities in Borno State, Nigeria’ by Oladipo, Busayo Stephen (Matriculation Number: Soc/Ph.D/11/003) carried out under our supervision, has been found to have met the regulations of the University of Calabar. We, therefore, recommend the work for the award of degree of: Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (Criminology).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to the Almighty God for His protection and provision throughout the course of this study. I am indebted to my supervisors: Dr. Ukwayi, J.K. (the chief supervisor) and Dr. Ojua, T.A, who in spite of their busy schedules, squeezed out time to read my draft and make useful corrections and contributions. My special gratitude also goes to Dr. (Mrs.) Judith Otu (The Post Graduate Faculty Chairperson) and Dr. Bassey Antigha (The Post Graduate Departmental Board Chairman) for their academic supports.

I am indebted to Dr. Osonwa, O. K. (The Head of Department of Sociology) who uses his office and position to encourage the younger generation to fulfill their dreams. I appreciate Professor Charles, J.O., Professor Nwagbara, E.N., Dr. Ering, S.O., Dr. Abia, R.P., Dr. Enang, E. E., Dr. Etobe, E. I. and Dr. Nkpoyen, F. who all are my great mentors.

I appreciate the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and the management of the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their display of understanding and cooperation all through the period of this academic programme. My special thanks goes to the Commandant General, Dr. Ade Abolurin for his personal concern and moral encouragement. I also appreciate the Assistant Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana M., Assistant Commandant General, Nnamdi Nwiyi and Assistant Commandant General, Agim U. Godwin. My list of appreciation continues with Commandant (Dr.) Audi, A. A., Mr. Amakiri, U. B, and Commandant Amakiri H. I wish to thank my colleagues: Mr. Ojo Gabriel, Mr. Efuwape Oluwasegun, Mr. Alabi Ayodeji, Mr. & Mrs. Ayoola Philips, Mr. Olagunju Adenle, Mr. Allan Essien, Mr. Omiyale, Mr.

Aina, Mr. Orekelewa Oluwakayode, Madam Ijeoma Ofor, Ms. Ifeoma Obiekwe, Pastor Dangana, Ms. Lawretta Osho, Ms. Helen Emedolu, Mr. Nnamdi Okenwa, Madam Grace Akubo, Ms Kelechi Aruagha, Mr. Ben Aniashi and Mr. Silvanus Aidoko and others whose names may not directly have been mentioned on this page.

I am also indebted to the following individuals for their moral support and encouragement. The list include: Mrs. Ekerete, Ms. Ngozi N., Dr. Mamza J., Mr. Mbakwe, Mr. Robberson Edeme, Mr. John Thompson Okpa, Mr. Ademola Adewonyi, Pastor. Chidinma Egbe, Ms. Rosemary Supurochi, Miss Uche Valery Okeke and Mr. Olowo & Mrs. Seyi Olowo.

Finally, my sincere gratitude goes to my family; my sister, Ms. Adunola Rachel and my aunt, Mrs. Bolanle Ogunseun for their care and support. I also acknowledge my late parents, Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Oladipo for leaving me with the good legacy of education.

ABSTRACT

This study examined youth and terrorist activities in Borno State, Nigeria. The objective is to identify and establish the underlining factors influencing terrorist activities in Northern Nigeria. Extant literature and theoretical issues were effectively and extensively reviewed on the concept of youth and factors influencing terrorism in Nigeria. Two theories were revised accordingly to confirm the positions of the research objectives and hypotheses. Survey research method was adopted while two research instruments: questionnaire and Key