Abstract
The constant stability of the country, Nigeria, with the prominence of insecurity is far-fetched. It is no longer news that the peace, unity which improves the development of Nigeria as a whole is almost impossible with insecurity at its peak. Sustainable development is impossible without subsequent maintenance of security in the nation. Nigeria, over the years, has suffered immense loss of lives and properties accruing to various uprisings, insurgencies that have emerged. It is alarming to assert that contributions to the cause of insecurity in Nigeria are majorly viewed in the fault of the Nigerian government - bad governance and corruption of political leaders. However, the Nigerian government finds it difficult to tackle the root of security challenges.
The Boko Haram Crisis, being the case study of this research work, is a major and current form of insecurity and terrorism that has caused and is causing a breakdown in the development of Nigeria in various ways. Since 2009 when Boko Haram engaged Nigerian security in anti-government uprising, the group has grown to become a dangerous, multifaceted problem and a serious national, regional and international concern. The Boko Haram sect transcended from being an insurgent group to a terrorist group which was seen in their strategies and mode of operation. Boko Haram has continued to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity. Its brutal activities recognized them as a terrorist group organization based in Northern Nigeria.Boko Haram insurgency has been interpreted in different forms. It has been attributed to lack of good governance in the country, it's anti-West posture, it's anti-Christian posture and its desire to create an Islamic state. It has led to the slaughter of mere civilians and its ideology is based on extreme Islamic teaching which rejects most western ideas and institutions as un-Islamic.
Boko Haram has been declared a terrorist group globally not only because it fights an unconventional warfare, targets both military and civilian population, destroy schools and churches, kill children and kidnap school girls but because it has links with international terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. As examined all through this research work, Boko Haram Boko Haram not only possess a serious threat to internal security in Nigeria, but threatened regional stability and strained Nigeria's relations and influence globally.Nigeria, that is once known and well respected for its role in restoring stability in some conflict-torn states in West Africa is now in need of the international community’s assistance to guarantee peace and security in her own territory for sustainable development.
Conclusively, Boko Haram terrorist activities has implicated Nigeria’s national security which infringes on the national development. The violence experienced by Nigerians since the advent of the Boko Haram sect especially in the Northeast has negatively impacted all aspects of humanity leaving a strain on national development. The highly insecure Nigeria has also made every part of the country unsafe for individuals. Moreover, it is safe to say that insecurity can be properly addressed and totally eradicated only if appropriate measures are put in place. This change would be a turning point for Nigeria’s sustainable development and her international relations.
