DISTILLING MYTH FROM REALITY: RECONSTRUCTING THE EMERGENT TRENDS OF BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has attracted considerable scholarly attention. The literature is replete with studies on its origins and socio-economic impact in Nigeria. Similarly, scholars have examined the implications of Boko Haram for Nigeria’s internal security and nation-building efforts. Relatedly, there is an extensive body of literature on the precipitating factors behind the insurgency, one of which is the argument that the group's objective was to destabilize the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan. Despite these contributions, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding emerging trends in the Boko Haram insurgency, which suggests that the group’s primary objective extends beyond undermining and subverting Jonathan’s presidency. This paper seeks to fill this gap in knowledge. Drawing on both primary and secondary sources of data, the paper argues that, beyond the rhetoric that Boko Haram was primarily conceived to disrupt governance between 2010 to 2015, the group is an Islamic sect whose ultimate objective is the establishment an Islamic state in Northern Nigeria. The paper further contends that this objective is evident in the nature and pattern of the group’s attacks on Muslims, Christians, security personnel, and government facilities both during and after Jonathan’s presidency. It concludes that Boko Haram seeks to establish an Islamic state and impose its interpretation of Islamic teachings in Northern Nigeria based on its understanding of the Holy Qur’an. This objective is reflected in the group’s capture and declaration certain towns as part of an Islamic caliphate in Northeast Nigeria.