Insurgency in Nigeria: The Real Test of Nationhood

Abstract

The Boko Haram and the Niger Delta militancy today remain unarguably the greatest security threats to the corporate existence of the Nigerian state and her development. At the root of these insurgencies are socio-economic, ethno-political and religious challenges which are actually bye-products of a dysfunctional system. This research work examines the issues and challenges as it relates to the real test of Nigeria’s nationhood. The research work made use of content analysis through the use of books, newspapers, journal publications and available sources from the internet library. This is to give a deeper understanding of the issues that surround insurgency in Nigeria with a view of proffering solutions. The findings of this research work revealed that, lack of employment and equal opportunities especially for the youths of the minority tribes who make up the people of the Niger Delta region are seen as the root cause of agitations.  Also, the findings disclosed poor and ineffective governance as responsible for the increased social and political uncertainties, rigidity and institutional failure. Issues such as religion, ethnicity, and regional sentiments were the real problems behind the violent conflict in Nigeria.