State Response to Internally Displaced Persons and Invigoration of Boko Haram Insurgency in Northeast Nigeria

Ugwuozor, Samuel Ifeanyi and Okoli, Rowland Chukwuma and Nnamani, Kevin Sunday (2017) State Response to Internally Displaced Persons and Invigoration of Boko Haram Insurgency in Northeast Nigeria. In: 2017 Zonal Conference of Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) South East Chapter, 12 – 15 November, 2017, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State Nigeria.

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Abstract

The insurgency orchestrated by Boko Haram in Northeast Nigeria has no doubt led to the emergence of large number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The strategy adopted by the Nigerian state in response to this proliferation of IDPs has implication for the overall counter insurgency programme in Northeast Nigeria. This study examined whether the inadequacies that characterize Nigerian state response to IDPs bolstered the financial and personnel strength of the Boko Haram sect. The study relied on secondary data collected via documentary approach and analyzed through content analysis. We adopted the gatekeeper state theory as the explanatory framework for the study. Based on the foregoing, the study contended that the preoccupation of the political elites to accumulate resources obtained both from external and domestic sources channeled for management of the IDPs weakened state capacity to secure the IDP camps and resettle the IDPs. As a corollary, the IDPs became easy sources of recruitment for the Boko Haram sect. Again, the poor securitization of the IDP camps and relief materials saw some of the resources being appropriated by the Boko Haram sect. The study concludes that the lapses in state’s response to management of the IDPs invigorated the insurgent groups by providing new sources of funding and personnel for the group. We recommend the need to mainstream IDP management in overall counter insurgency programme by ensuring that IDP camps and relief materials are secured from the insurgents.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Depositing User: mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited: 18 Apr 2019 14:06
Last Modified: 18 Apr 2019 14:06
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/1183

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