An Evaluation of Impacts of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: A Case Study of Abuja Metropolis

Abstract

The deep and far-reaching fear, chaos and uncertainties related to the Boko Haram insurgency make an empirical study of its impacts significant. Boko Haram insurgency has not only resulted in many deaths but has adversely affected agricultural production in Nigeria and distorted local economy. The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) said Boko Haram has killed more people than any other terrorist group in the world, including the Islamic State. Boko Haram is also responsible for deaths and deprivation in an indirect way of starve-killing. Their operations have caused food shortages, created food insecurity in Nigeria resulting in many farmers either being killed, displaced or their livelihoods destroyed. Infrastructural facilities on the other hand, as well as businesses have not been spared of the devastating impacts of the Boko Haram insurgency. This study strategically examined the effectiveness of security agencies management of Boko Haram insurgencies, identified its impact and examined the best management mechanisms for the insurgency, within the contextual preview of Abuja metropolis. The study adopted a quantitative research design of purposive sampling approach and discovered from the research that attacks on the metropolis resulted in urban dislocation and migration. It therefore recommends increased security partnership, improved welfare for security agencies, training of security agencies in intelligence gathering and management, encourage and strengthen grass root community policing.