The Impact of Terrorism on Social Stability in Northern Nigeria and the Way Forward
Abstract
Northern Nigeria has been a focal point of terrorist activities, particularly by groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These activities have profoundly affected the region’s social fabric, leading to mass displacement, economic disruption, intercommunal tensions, and a decline in educational opportunities. The humanitarian crisis, coupled with growing insecurity, has weakened governance structures and undermined social cohesion. Economic activities, particularly agriculture, have been significantly affected, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity. The disruption of education due to targeted attacks on schools has further deepened socio-economic disparities. While the Nigerian government has increased security spending, challenges such as corruption, inadequate training, and insufficient resources persist. This article examines the multifaceted impact of terrorism on social stability in Northern Nigeria and discusses potential strategies for fostering resilience, improving governance, and ensuring sustainable peace in the region.
Keywords
Terrorismsocial stabilityBoko Haramdisplacementeconomic disruption
References
Adelaja, A., & George, J. (2019). Effects of Conflict on Agriculture: Evidence from the Boko Haram Insurgency. World Development, 117, 184–195. African Development Bank. (2017). Growth and Fiscal Consequences of Terrorism in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Publications/WPS_No_284_Gr owth_and_Fiscal_Consequences_of_Terrorism_in_Nigeria_A.pdf Afzal, M. (2020). Education and Boko Haram in Nigeria. Brookings Institution. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/wp- content/uploads/2020/04/FP_20200507_nigeria_boko_haram_afzal.pdf Associated Press. (2024, September 15). They fled their homes to escape Boko Haram. Now Nigeria is resettling them back despite their fears. AP News. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/1eb22e035f0d01cdfe7345f93ea122b6 Associated Press. (2025, January 10). At least 40 farmers killed by Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria, an official says. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/3579523f5f1b978ea7d32b4374c8e036 Associated Press. (2025, January 20). Nigerian army says it killed 76 extremists during a weeklong operation in Borno State. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/c67c35481f8425591bd61a4413a881e7 Attah, N. E. (2016). An Exploration of Anti-Terrorism Policy Implementation in Nigeria. Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=14347&context=dissertatio ns Awojobi, O. (2014). The Socio-Economic Implications of Boko Haram Insurgency in the North- East of Nigeria. International Journal of Innovation and Scientific Research, 11(1), 144– BBC News. (2020, July 5). Katsina: The motorcycle bandits terrorising northern Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53257506 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chibok_schoolgirls_kidnapping Gujba college massacre. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujba_college_massacre International Crisis Group. (2024). Violent Extremism in the Sahel. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violent-extremism-sahel International Organization for Migration. (2023, December). Displacement Tracking Matrix: Nigeria National Displacement Profile ReliefWeb. Retrieved from https://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/displacement-tracking-matrix-dtm-nigeria-national- displacement-profile-2023 International Rescue Committee. (n.d.). Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.rescue.org/eu/country/nigeria Mamudo school massacre. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamudo_school_massacre National Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Impact of Terrorism on Education in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/AdvisoryCo m/Terrorism/NHRC_Nigeria.docx Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Hunter_%26_Forest_Security_Service Reuters. (2024, August 29). Nigeria and Niger sign security deal, despite rift since coup. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-niger-sign-security-deal- despite-rift-since-coup-2024-08-29/ Reuters. (2024, July 27). Nigeria courts convict 125 Boko Haram Islamist insurgents in mass trial. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-courts-convict-125- boko-haram-islamist-insurgents-mass-trial-2024-07-27/ Reuters. (2024, September 26). Nigeria military says dozens of militia group leaders killed over past three months. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-military- says-dozens-militia-group-leaders-killed-over-past-three-months-2024-09-26/ Reuters. (2024, September 30). World Bank approves $1.57 billion loan for Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/world-bank-approves-157-billion-loan- nigeria-2024-09-30/ Reuters. (2025, January 22). UN seeks $910 million for humanitarian crisis in Nigeria's northeast. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-seeks-910-million- humanitarian-crisis-nigerias-northeast-2025-01-22/ The Guardian. (2024, October 21). Borno flood killed 150 persons, displaced thousands, says SEMA as FG constructs dam in Benue. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/borno- flood-killed-150-persons-displaced-thousands-says-sema-as-fg-constructs-dam-in-benue/ United Nations Development Programme. (2020). Measuring the Economic Impact of Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/publications/undp-rh- addis_Measuring_the_Economic_Impact_of_Violent_Extremism_Leading_to_Terrorism _in_Africa.pdf United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2021, December). Nigeria 2021 Year-End Report - Population Trends. Global Focus. Retrieved from https://reporting.unhcr.org/nigeria-2021-year-end-report-population-trends United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (n.d.). Nigeria. United Nations. (2024). Deputy Secretary-General's remarks at the 2024 High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting. Retrieved from un.org United Nations. (2024). Deputy Secretary-General's remarks at the 2024 High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/deputy- secretary-general/statement/2024-04-22/deputy-secretary-generals-remarks-the-2024- high-level-african-counter-terrorism-meeting-%E2%80%9Cstrengthening-regional- cooperation-and-institution United Nations. (n.d.). A New Era of Conflict and Violence. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/un75/new-era-conflict-and-violence
More Articles from JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE RESEARCH
A Typology of Digital Complaint-Resolution Systems for Public Accountability
Author: Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey Okwesa, Uzoamaka, Iwuanyanwu,
Electronic Tax Monitoring, Fiscal Transparency and Digital Capacity Constraints in Nigeria: A Content Analysis
Author: Ngozi Chijioke, Uchenna Gladys Onwujekwe, Eteng Inah William
The Role of Formal Social Networks in Mitigating Mental Stress Among Older Adults in Poor Urban Communities in Rivers State Faculty of Social Sciences, Sociology Department Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworokwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Author: Akani Bobby Okechukwu
Information Literacy Skills and Organizational Learning Among Administrative Officers of Agricultural Research Institutes in Southwest Nigeria
Author: Titilayo Juliet Sodiyan1 Oluwatosin A. Ologboosere2
Beyond Mediation: Climate Stress, Structural Violence, And the Persistence of Farmer–Herder Conflict in Benue State, Nigeria, 2015–2025
Author: Elijah B.U. Chigweyaru, PhD