Boko Haram, Herdmen and Niger Delta Militancy: Exploring the Dynamics of Nigeria’ Security Challenges

Boko Haram, Herdmen and Niger Delta Militancy

Abstract

The reality in Nigeria today is the danger posed by centrifugal social forces that has resulted in high rate of 
insecurity. The failure of past governments in their efforts to address holistically, the security challenges confronting 
the country has given rise to the growth of insecurity and their attendant challenges. The mayhem unleashed by the 
Boko Haram Islamic sect on citizens of the country, particularly in the Northeast geo-political zone had led to loss 
of lives, properties and the displacement of over 200,000 people in that part of Nigeria. Kidnapping, rape, armed 
robbery, destruction of oil facilities by Niger Delta militants alongside the attacks carried out by perceived Fulani 
Herdsmen on some communities in the North, Middle Belt and South of the country are also major security 
challenges facing the country. As a result of the dynamics of these centrifugal social forces, Nigeria has been listed 
among the terrorist countries of the world. Government responses to these challenges have been a mixture of 
carrot-and-stick approach that has not put an end to the menace. Rather, the rate of insurgency and in fact, general 
insecurity in the country is becoming alarming with each passing day. This paper contributes to the growing 
literature on this issue but, in addition, argues that there should be re-conceptualization of government failed 
approach in favour of a holistic and ideology driven approach. Relying strongly on secondary source for its validated 
and authenticated study data, the paper adopted the relative deprivation theory and argues that feeling of mass