Terrorism and Humanitarian Crisis in Nigeria: Insights from Boko Haram Insurgency

Abstract

This paper explores the humanitarian impact of terrorism in Nigeria from the standpoint of Boko Haram insurgency. This is against the backdrop of the rising spate of violent attacks orchestrated by members of the Islamic sect in the northern part of the country over the years. By way of scholarly exegesis and empirical evidence, predicated on secondary sources, the paper posits that the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in dire humanitarian situation as evident in human casualties, human right abuses, population displacement and refugee debacle, livelihood crisis, and public insecurity. The paper submits that this scenario portends negatively for the sustenance of national security in Nigeria. The paper recommends a strategic paradigm shift from anti-terrorism to counter-terrorism as a strategy for containing the crisis.