Assessment of globalization on Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria and Cameroon

• In Event: Poster Session: African Politics Conference Group; Middle East and North Africa Politics & Human Rights
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: African Politics: Populism and Privilege in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The study examined the nexus between globalization and cross border terrorism by directing its search light to the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria. The establishment of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975 opened the borders of all states within the sub-region to economic trade relationships and cultural affiliation. In other words, the formation of ECOWAS sets the ball rolling for the adoption of globalization ideals which encouraged free movement of goods and services, removal of trade restrictions and entrenchment of borderless society. The international conspiracy approach was adopted as a theoretical underpinning for this paper since terrorism cannot be successfully prosecuted without the backing of foreign allies. After thorough analysis of the result obtained through secondary sources, the findings of this paper revealed that there is a significant relationship between globalization and cross border terrorism through the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria. For Instance, the porosity of borders between Nigeria and the neighboring states within the ECOWAS sub-region encouraged the free flow of small and light weapons into the Nigerian territory. Since terrorism began in Nigeria, the total number of lives lost is over 20,000 while the damaged properties were estimated at N1.9 trillion. Also, millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are kept in various camps in the North-east region. Subsequently, the paper recommended that birth control measures should be adopted in attempt to reducing the ever increasing cases of youth restiveness in the region. Also, the current joint border patrol currently going on by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) should be sustained in order to stop trans-border crime against humanity.

Author

• James Jacob, University of Abuja