American International Journal of Social Science

Insecurity and Sustainable Development: The Boko Haram Debacle in Nigeria
OGEGE Sam Omadjohwoefe

Abstract
The paper examines insecurity and sustainable development in Nigeria with special emphasis on the Boko Haram insurgency. One of the most vicious onslaughts on the Nigerian state is the terror unleashed by Jamaata Ahlis- Sunna Liddaawati -an Islamic sect popularly known as Boko Haram This sectarian group have adopted several approaches including bombing strategic places; that were hitherto not vulnerable to security threats, waging murderous campaigns against individuals and institutions leading to wanton destruction of lives and property. Using the Frustration-Aggression theoretical framework, the paper argues rather succinctly that terrorism is caused by frustrated expectations and a state of hopelessness and sustained mainly by bad governance, corruption and a pervasively weak institutional framework. With the upsurge of Boko Haram insurgence and the inability of the security agencies to guarantee security, economic life is ground to a halt with dire consequences for the society. This atmosphere of insecurity impedes the attainment of sustainable development. In order to create an enabling environment for sustainable development, the paper suggests, among others, that the Nigerian state should put in place good governance, viable anti-terrorism measures and build strong legitimate institutions that can adequately curb the menace of corruption and at the same time respond proactively to the challenge of terrorism in Nigeria.

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