Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Insurgency: A Critical Assessment of Boko Haram

Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Insurgency: A Critical Assessment of Boko Haram

Abstract

This paper analyses the relationship or correlation between Nigeria’s foreign policy and the Boko-Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Using secondary data and system theory, this study reveals the devastating effects of the activities of Boko Haram insurgence on the Nigerian foreign policy. These effects range from killing of innocent lives, destruction of private and public properties, bombing of places of worship, etc. which have resulted in increase in the number of displaced persons, shutting down of economic activities, etc. this makes the foreign policy of open economy to turn down as the economic environment in the country suffers from insecurity. Findings also show that Nigeria is currently deficient to still maintain her stand as giant of Africa as she cannot provide security for her citizens. Consequently, it dents the image of the country in the comity of nations and no nation will command respect among the members of international community if it harbors terrorists. It is the opinion of the paper that the way in which a nation is internally organized that will accord it respect at the international level. The paper thus, concludes that the vital decisions are taken in the international system based on the perceived image of nation states. It is therefore recommended that, the struggle to contain the activities of Boko Haram insurgency will only record success if the various internal factors like poverty, corruption, etc. are addressed and if they are shared interest by other neighboring countries which will lead to cooperation.

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