BOKO HARAM INSURGENCYAND THE FUTURE OFNORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper discussed the Boko Haram Insurgency and the future of the North-Eastern Region of Nigeria. It began by investigating the destructive impact the Boko Haram insurgency have meted on the region and the implications of these devastations for the future. From 2009, the Boko Haram terrorists have systematically expanded their hold of the region. Historical records show that by 2014, over 14 local government areas of Borno State, about 6 in Yobe State and the whole of Adamawa North Senatorial District with 5 local government areas had fallen to the Boko Haram Terrorists. The horror of this insurgency continued until they were finally decimated and driven away in April 2015. The paper further examined the possible ways of mitigating this devastating impact and the prospect of ending this conundrum of terrorism for the betterment of the future of the North-Eastern Region of Nigeria. The Methodology used to achieve this includes a multi-track approach, namely: political/governance, diplomatic, security/peace-building and socio-economic tracks. The theory of Changewas adopted as a frameworkaround which the propositions of this paper was weaved. Within the context of the Boko Haram insurgency and the future of North Eastern Nigeria, the theory of change served as a paradigm which promotes social change in the North Eastern region. Relying on a well-structured, holistic and integrated approach, the paper submits that the restoration of peace, security, growth and stability of the North-Eastern Region of Nigeria is possible.