Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria: The Paradox and Challenges of Big Brother Foreign Policy

Abstract

Nigeria currently faces security and developmental dilemma with the crucible of terrorism largely enveloped in the foreign policy perspective with neighbours. In collaboration with elements of the Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, Boko Haram Islamic terrorist attacks have claimed over 3,000 lives including foreigners, prompting the Nigerian government to effect the deportation of 4,000 foreign nationals from Niger, Chad and Cameroun, the immediate neighbours on the north-east axis, who are giving soft-landing to the radical Islamic sect utilising terrorism as modus operandi in pursuit of its political and religious beliefs. The paradox of Nigeria.s Big Brother foreign policy towards her neighbours, in the past five decades, has entrenched religious fanaticism, criminality especially arms smuggling and borderless irregular migration in the northern parts of the country, exposing the beleaguered country to the whims of terrorists and comatose economy.

Key Words: Terrorism, Boko Haram sect, Foreign Policy, Arms, Borderlands, Security