Assessment of the Spatial Pattern and Effects of Insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria

Insurgency activities have continued to ravage the North eastern part of Nigeria

since 2009. This resulted in loss of lives and properties. The aim of the study was to examine

the spatial spread and effects of insurgency activities in some selected north eastern states of

Nigeria. The research identified the insurgency activities in each of the LGAs of the selected

states from 2009 to 2017; shows the pattern and trend of the activities; examined the effects

of these activities in the study area as well as provide recommendations. The study utilizes

both primary and secondary data. Primary data were sourced from questionnaire

administration while the secondary data were derived from Armed Conflict Location and

Events Data (ACLED), textbooks, journals and relevant security agencies records. The

method of analysis used include Geographical Information System (GIS) trend analysis and

graphs to show the activities and effects of the insurgency. The result of the analysis showed

that the central and eastern part of the area had the highest incidence of insurgency activities

within the time frame of the research. The trend analysis revealed an increasing rate of 38

occurrences per year during the period of study. The study therefore recommended that the

application of geo-spatial techniques should be incorporated in the fight again insurgency in

other to monitor the activities of the insurgency in the study area and Nigeria at large.