Exploring Contemporary Counterterrorism and Perspectives of Terrorism Experts to Combat Boko Haram
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Exploring Contemporary Counterterrorism and Perspectives of Terrorism Experts to Combat Boko Haram Enyinaya Njoku Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the African Languages and Societies Commons, and the Public Policy 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 Enyinaya Njoku 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. Ernesto Escobedo, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Branford McAllister, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Tanya Settles, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Exploring Contemporary Counterterrorism and Perspectives of Terrorism Experts to Combat Boko Haram by Enyinaya Njoku MA, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, 2003 BS, University of Jos, Nigeria, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2020 Abstract Within the last decade, the terrorist attacks by Boko Haram have been the topic of considerable scholarly focus; yet, there remains a lack of knowledge and understanding about the causes of failure in counterterrorism measures by the Nigerian government in Borno State. Using Wilner’s contemporary deterrence theory as the foundation, the purpose of this case study of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) was to bridge the gap in knowledge to understand the causes of failure in counterterrorism measures by the Nigerian government and to explore alternate approaches to the counterterrorism efforts in Borno State to deter Boko Haram. Data were collected through interviews with 10 NPF counterterrorism experts selected through a purposive sampling strategy. These data were inductively coded and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis procedure. Two primary themes emerged from this study: (a) counterterrorism measures used by the Nigerian government were ineffective and (b) the important distinctions in the perceptions of the participants. De-radicalization and reorientation measures hold the potent dynamics of an enduring and long-term approach to successful counterterrorism and combating insurgency. The results of this study have implications for positive social change including policy recommendations to the Nigerian government to invest in counterterrorism efforts rooted in trust-building at higher levels of government to reduce the impact of potential infiltration of Boko Haram in government as well as implementing education and outreach programs highlighting the ills of terrorism, making it less attractive for vulnerable youths, enthroning peace and normalcy in the community, and promoting a society devoid of the destructive tendencies of terrorism. Exploring Contemporary Counterterrorism and Perspectives of Terrorism Experts to Combat Boko Haram by Enyinaya Njoku MA, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, 2003 BS, University of Jos, Nigeria, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2020 Dedication I dedicate this research effort to the glory of God, my dependable stronghold, for seeing me through to a successful completion of this study. I also dedicate this achievement to the memory of my dearly beloved dad late Mr. Willie Akpa Oje who saw only the finest in me and paved the way for me to soar. and reach for the stars To my daughters, Nneoma and Ogonna, who, in their different natures are so uniquely loving and selfless that they inspire me in subtle yet profound ways, to keep going and never relent in my efforts to achieve the goal of completing this doctoral study. To the gracious and warm cheerfulness of my siblings that energizes and replenishes my spirit. And to all the special folks I have crossed paths with through various faith and social communities who have directly and remotely mentored and cheered me on in surprising ways. Acknowledgments For the amazing grace and grit to continue and complete this study, I give all praise and glory to God, our merciful Father, and Immaculate Mary, our mediatrix of all graces. I owe profound appreciations to my dearest daughters’ Nneoma and Ogonna for inspiring me with their gentle and curious questions about my program and completion date. I sincerely thank three very special friends who variously believed in my ability to accomplish this goal and encouraged the inception of this journey as well as urged me through navigating the very rough and challenging paths. They offered listening ears to my doubts about the will to carry on with the studies in view of the seemingly intractable challenges. Notwithstanding my doubts they were unrelenting and encouraged softly, gently assuring me that I have what it takes to finish, and adamantly kept nudging me to keep my focus on the goal of a successful completion. My immense thanks to Dr. Ernesto Escobedo, my Committee Chair, for his wisdom, accessibility and encouragement. He always nudged me on with a very simple but impactful word “onward.” Heartfelt thanks to my Committee member Dr. Branford J. McAllister, who sought nothing short of the best from me confident that I am on the path to producing a great work. Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Background of the Study .............................................................................................. 2 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 7 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................... 8 Research Questions ....................................................................................................... 8 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................. 9 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................... 10 Definitions .................................................................................................................. 11 Assumptions ................................................................................................................ 14 Scope and Delimitations ............................................................................................. 15 Limitations .................................................................................................................. 16 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 17 Summary and Transition ............................................................................................. 18 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 20 Literature Search Strategy........................................................................................... 22 Theoretical Foundation ............................................................................................... 23 Wilner’s Contemporary Deterrence Theory and Counterterrorism ...................... 26 The Origin of the Contemporary Deterrence Theory ........................................... 26 Summary and Conclusions ......................................................................................... 54 i Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 58 Research Design and Rationale .................................................................................. 58 Research Questions ............................................................................................... 58 Case Study Design Research Rationale ................................................................ 59 Role of the Researcher ................................................................................................ 61 Methodology ............................................................................................................... 62 Participant Selection and Sampling Strategy ........................................................ 62 Instrumentation and Data Collection .................................................................... 65 Procedures for Recruitment .................................................................................. 65 Data Analysis Plan ...............................................................................................