TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Terrorism has significantly undermined Nigeria’s security and economic stability, with groups like Boko Haram (BH), Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) perpetuating violence across the country. Nigeria remains one of the most terror-affected nations globally, leading to several deaths and huge economic loss. This article explores the root causes of terrorism in Nigeria, including poverty, corruption, weak institutions, and ineffective intelligence gathering. It also examines the economic consequences,such as declining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), displacement of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), loss of tourism revenue, and increased government expenditure on security.Additionally, this work highlights the link between terrorism and human rights violations, forced migration, and human trafficking. It is the observation of this work that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria remains ineffective due to weak political will. This article recommends the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address the structural issues fueling insecurity in the country. Doctrinal method of research was employed in this article.