INSURGENCY AND INSECURITY IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Abstract

Terrorism and insecurity have remained a defining challenge for Northern Nigeria over the past two decades, driven by groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP). This paper assesses the underlying causes of insurgency in the region, including poverty, illiteracy, weak governance, elite complicity, and porous borders, and evaluates the wide-ranging effects of the crisis on human security, the regional economy, education, and political stability. The paper further examines the Nigerian government's counter-terrorism efforts, including military operations, regional cooperation through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives, highlighting the persistent gaps that continue to undermine lasting peace. Drawing on theories of relative deprivation and frustration-aggression, the paper argues that a durable resolution requires pairing sustained security operations with investment in education, economic opportunity, and accountable governance. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for addressing the root causes of insecurity in Northern Nigeria.