Evaluating the Effects of Counterterrorism Strategies on Insurgency in Nigeria Bowie Sonnie Bowei Walden University
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Evaluating the Effects of Counterterrorism Strategies on Insurgency in Nigeria Bowie Sonnie Bowei Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, and the Social Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Bowie Bowei has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Marcel Kitissou, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Kristin Dailey, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. George Kieh, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract Evaluating the Effects of Counterterrorism Strategies on Insurgency in Nigeria by Bowie Bowei M.Sc., Lagos State University, 2013 MPA, Lagos State University, 2008 B.Sc., Ambrose Ali University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2019 Abstract With the evolving problems of terrorism in Nigeria and the formation of numerous new terrorist groups, insurgency in Nigeria has escalated, making it one of the most terrorized countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study looked critically at the effects of the strategies applied in the attempt to fight terrorism and how these strategies have affected insurgency in Nigeria. The background of the study gives an insight on the evolution of terrorist groups in Nigeria, their mode of operation, effects on citizens and the Nigerian economy, as well as the operations of counterterrorist agencies. The qualitative research method was used for this study. Critical theory and resource dependence theory were applied, and data were obtained through face-to-face and telephone interviews with 7 stakeholders. Detailed recommendations are made to aid counterterrorist agencies in developing and applying additional and effective workable strategies in their fight against terrorism. Policies in Nigeria were recommended that may discourage terrorism initiations and center the focus of youth towards nation-building. Social problems were identified connecting young people as the primary causes of terrorism in Nigeria. Solid recommendations in this direction have been provided to ensure youths across the country who form a vulnerable population and are the targets of terrorist sect recruitment are protected and provided with effective tools to prevent their conscription, while engaging them positively in becoming knowledgeable and self-reliant citizens. Evaluating the Effects of Counterterrorism Strategies on Insurgency in Nigeria by Bowie Bowei M.Sc., Lagos State University, 2013 MPA, Lagos State University, 2008 B.Sc., Ambrose Ali University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2019 Dedication This research work is dedicated to God Almighty, for His grace and provision in making my academic dream a reality. It is also dedicated to the memories of my late parents, Cdr. Wilson Denis Okah (Nigerian Navy) and Mrs. Helen Amah Okah whose desire it was to see me reach this academic height. My lovely wife, Ndudi Bowei cannot be left out for all her support and encouragement. Finally, to all who mocked me at the times of my academic challenges, your actions gave me the strength and doggedness to fight on and achieve this, so, I say a big thank you to you as well. Acknowledgments I owe a depth of gratitude to Dr. Marcel Kitissou, my dissertation chair, for not only championing my cause as a doctoral candidate but also driving and encouraging me throughout this long journey. I admire you for your humility, your diligence, and your unwavering purpose. I am profoundly grateful to my dissertation committee member Dr. Kristin Dailey for providing invaluable support all the way, in an encouraging, educative and caring manner. Finally, I would like to appreciate my University Research Reviewer, Professor George Kieh, for his valuable contributions that helped me achieve success. You have collectively shown me how to be more effective in my focus, and for that, I cannot thank you enough. Table of Contents List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………..vi List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………vii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study……………………………………………………...1 Background of the Study……………………………………………………………...2 Problem Statement…………………………………………………………………….5 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................6 Central Research Question .............................................................................................7 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................7 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8 Definitions......................................................................................................................8 Assumptions ...................................................................................................................9 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................10 Limitations ...................................................................................................................11 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................12 Significance to Practice......................................................................................... 12 Significance to Theory .......................................................................................... 13 Significance to Social Change .............................................................................. 14 Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................15 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................17 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..17 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................18 i Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................19 Critical Theory ...................................................................................................... 19 Resource Dependence Theory .............................................................................. 21 Literature Review.........................................................................................................24 History and Dynamics of Terrorism in Nigeria...………………………...……...24 The Causes and Consequences of Terrorism in Africa ......................................... 27 Bad Governance, Corruption and the Rise of Boko Haram.................................. 30 Agitations in the Niger Delta Region.................................................................... 32 Corruption and Challenges: A Case of the Nigerian Armed Forces ..................... 34 Insurgency and National Security Challenges in Nigeria ..................................... 36 Insecurity and Socioeconomic Development in Nigeria ...................................... 38 Terrorism and Nigeria’s Industrial Development ................................................. 39 Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Strategy against Boko Haram…………………….41 Community Relations and Conflict Resolution in the Niger Delta ...................... 44 New Strategies to Combat Terrorism in Nigeria .................................................. 46 Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................48 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................51 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..51 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................52 Qualitative Approach ...................................................................................................53 Phenomenological Method ..........................................................................................54 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................56 ii Methodology ................................................................................................................57 Participant Selection Logic ..................................................................................