TERRORISM: A GROWING THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

 

In recent years, several communities in Nigeria have experienced terrorist attacks that have disrupted businesses, farming activities, and education. Many parents now fear for the safety of their children, while farmers and traders often struggle to carry out their daily activities due to security threats. These developments have increased public demand for stronger and more effective leadership and security measures.

Terrorism in Nigeria has been dominated by the Islamist insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter factions, notably the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The rising violence from these groups has affected communities and created security challenges across the country.

One of the major terrorist groups operating in Nigeria is Boko Haram, formally known as Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad. The group was founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf and launched a full-scale insurgency in 2009.

The primary goal of Boko Haram is to establish an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria. The group rejects Western education and democratic governance and has carried out numerous attacks on civilians, security agencies, and public institutions.

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) emerged in 2016 following a split from Boko Haram. ISWAP is considered more organized and strategically sophisticated than its parent group. It operates mainly in the North-East region of Nigeria and has continued to pose a significant security threat.

On May 10, 2025, one of the most tragic incidents occurred when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked communities in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of several civilians and the destruction of property.

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed that attacks on communities around Izge and other nearby areas led to casualties and widespread fear among residents.

The trajectory of terrorism in Nigeria since 2009 lends weight to this concern.

Boko Haram’s insurgency began in Bauchi State in the North-East before spreading across the northern region.

In the North-West, the violence mutated into banditry and later spilled into the North-Central states, especially Niger, Benue, Plateau and Kwara.

 

 

Kidnappings in Northern Nigeria

Kidnapping remains a serious security challenge in Nigeria. Various parts of the country continue to witness abductions of students, travelers, and community members. These incidents create fear and uncertainty and negatively affect economic and social activities.

Terrorism has several negative effects on national security, including:

Loss of lives and destruction of property.

Displacement of people from their homes and communities.

Reduction in economic activities, especially farming and trade.

Increased insecurity and fear among citizens.

Pressure on government resources and security agencies.

Terrorism is estimated to cost Nigeria billions of dollars annually, wiping roughly 0.8% off its annual GDP. It has drastically reduced foreign direct investment (FDI) and halted the expansion of businesses in affected northern and central regions.

In addition to the effect of terrorism, prolonged terrorist activities can reduce government revenue. Apart from the destruction of physical infrastructure and human capital, terrorism also has lagged-effect on investment, which ultimately dampens the fiscal position and further affects the economic growth.

The NSA called for the full implementation of an integrated border management system to improve coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

He said effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and harmonised border procedures were essential for addressing contemporary security threats.

Ribadu also advocated increased investment in technology-driven border security solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced surveillance technologies and data-driven security frameworks.

He stressed the need for stronger regional and bilateral cooperation, noting that many of the security challenges confronting Nigeria’s borders were transnational in nature and required coordinated responses among neighbouring countries.

Terrorist acts by Boko Haram have attracted enormous scholarly attention in recent years. A majority of the studies have implicated Islam in the emergence and dynamics of the uprising. In contrast to this popular view, this article argues that, despite the strategic role played by Islamic religion in the uprising, terrorism and its security threats in northern Nigeria are more a product of a governance crisis including pervasive corruption, growing youth unemployment and poverty. It further argues that if good governance concurrently with development is not employed as a remedial strategy, the Nigerian State will further create a much more enabling environment for the growth of resistance from below. Thus, it concludes that good governance and credible

leadership practices are antidotes to terrorism in Nigerian.

The Senior Lawyer warned that failure to act swiftly could erode public confidence in the country's security institutions. Many people have expressed concern over the government's ability to address terrorism effectively, emphasizing the need for stronger security measures and improved intelligence gathering.

Terrorism remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria's national security. Therefore, government agencies, security personnel, and citizens must work together to combat terrorism and promote peace, stability, and national development.

Written by:

NWABUDIKE MIRACLE IFECHUKWUDE

(Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka)