The paper “Examining the Boko Haram Insurgency in Northern Nigeria & the Quest for a Permanent Resolution of the Crisis” by Joseph Olukayode Akinbi explores a detailed analysis of the causes, impacts, and responses to the Boko Haram insurgency. The study discusses the devastating loss caused by the Boko Haram group in Northern Nigeria.
The insurgency caused a huge amount of chaos marked by bombings, killings, and kidnappings, creating a humanitarian crisis, displacing millions of people, and threatening the stability of the region.
Akinbi’s research highlights the main causes of this insurgency as poverty, unemployment, religious extremism, and weak governance. The ideological foundation of Boko Haram are stemming from the rejection of Western education and values, which is linked to the broader socioeconomic disenfranchisement of Northern Nigeria. This group was started under the leadership of Muhammad Yusuf and became more violent with increased global connections. The study listed the timeline of major attacks by Boko Haram, including their worst act of kidnapping schoolgirls in Chibok, demonstrating the scale of devastation this group has caused.
Akinbi further delves into the effects of the crisis, ranging from loss of life and property to displacements and human rights violations. This group created problems for regional stability and was a threat to democracy. Additionally, it has worsened religious tensions in an already unstable region.
Akinbi has criticized the government response that was failed due to leaked information and the unpredictable nature of Boko Haram leaders.
Moreover, Akinbi suggested diverse approaches to address the crisis. These include creating jobs, reducing poverty, enforcing secular laws, and addressing the grass-root causes of the crisis.
The paper offers various strengths, which increase its value as a source on this crisis. It provides a detailed analysis of Boko Haram’s insurgency by explaining its socioeconomic, political, and religious factors that contributed to its emergence. Additionally, the detailed chronology of Boko Haram’s attacks provided a clear picture of their actions, showing how they became violent over time. The paper examines the problem from different angles, including its causes, effects, and government responses; this approach makes the study more inclusive.
Moreover, it has some weaknesses, which reduce its impact. Like its reliance on secondary sources such as poor studies and reports, while the absence of data from primary sources (interviews, field studies) limits its depth. The direct knowledge from affected communities and Boko Haram members would have added authenticity to the research.
Additionally, its reliance on historical analysis delays the discussion of its incident developments up to mid-2015. Furthermore, the paper barely discusses the Boko Haram connections with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and lacked the role of these organizations in financing or training Boko Haram.
Moreover, the recommendations are inclusive but lack specificity, like it doesn’t explain how poverty alleviation initiatives can be adjusted to Northern Nigeria’s rare landscape. The study examines the events up to mid-2015 and lacks knowledge about changes in Boko Haram’s leadership and its splitting in factions like Islamic State West Africa Province.
In conclusion, the paper provides comprehensive knowledge about Boko Haram insurgency, its impacts, and possible solutions, but it needs to address gaps like international influences, gender issues, and real implications of the recommendations. Future researchers should focus on these gaps to provide a scheme for addressing the ongoing crisis.
Work Cited
Akinbi, J. O. (2015). Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria: Causes, impacts, and solutions.
Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(8), 32–45. European Centre for
Research Training and Development, UK. Retrieved from (Akinbi, 8, August 2015,)
