Domestic Terrorism, Official Response and the Politics of Black Gold in Niger-Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Modern societies are embroiled with varied levels of conflict. The type and intensity of conflict is often historically determined and the causative factors are also closely tied to the social dynamics of the global community. Many factors tend to account for modern conflict. Apart from having political, economic, and environmental causes some are precipitated by socio-cultural and human factors. One area of concern is the type of weapons and strategies employed in the furtherance of the various interests of the combatants. While few socio-cultural groups favor Ghandian strategy several others adopt violence ranging from insurrection to terrorism. It is within the purview of the weapons and strategies employed in modern conflict that this paper examines the dimension of conflict along Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. It situates this dimension within the category of home grown terrorism in order to establish its criminal burden and also uses conflict theory to explain its socio-political relevance. It finally concludes with several alleviating strategies towards solving the current imbroglio.

Keywords: Domestic, Terrorism, Conflict, Militants.