Terrorism in Contemporary Nigerian Society: Conquest of Boko-haram, Myth or Reality

Enough literature on the issue of terrorism is available and accessible. Most of these studies examine causes and consequences of terrorism. Moving beyond the conventional focus and analysis of terrorism in Nigeria, this paper looks at the core issue of terrorism in contemporary Nigeria, paying particular attention to the conquest of Boko-haram. Despite the news of defeating Boko-haram by the government and the security agencies, the group is still causing havoc and displacing many citizens; particularly in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria. The paper utilized documentary method of data collection and was anchored on routine activity theory. Amongst other factors, the paper argues that it is evident that Boko-haram exploits widespread youth unemployment, and a high prevalence of illiteracy in Nigeria to perpetrate their terrorist acts. The reasons ranged from the frustrations of the unemployed youths and school drop outs. The paper posits that unless something is done to control it, a better, safer and more prosperous society emerging in Nigeria will remain elusive. Thus, the study recommends the need to review and restructure current programmes to create jobs and economic empowerment in order to meet the employment need of the society. Also, there is need for the government to effectively censor religious activities. Since the inability of the government to censor religious activities in the country has rendered the authority ineffective to combat the rising wave of terrorism.