The Threat of Boko Haram on Security and National Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria as a heterogeneous society has been bedeviled by ethno-religious
conflicts with devastating human and material losses since the country return to democratic rule in 1999. The first of its kinds is the emergence of ethnic militia forces namely Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Egbesu Boys, Bakassi Boys and Arewa People’s Congress (OPC) and of lately is Boko Haram. Security is evidently the pillar upon which meaningful development could be achieved and sustained. The development strides in most Western Capitalist States that place premium on security lend credence to this assertion. Whilst Nigeria is endowed with abundant resources, negligence and challenges of insecurity appear to have threatened civil regime and retards development. This study concludes among others that Nigeria can achieve sustainable development when all individuals partner security agencies in providing security for a sustainable national development in Nigeria.