This book investigates the socio-economic determinants of the emergence and persistence of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. Since 2009, Boko Haram continues to capture mainstream news headlines, as well as the imagination of aspiring young Salafi-jihadists around the world who support the notion of a radical Islamist socio-political system. By providing an essential overview of the literature on Boko Haram and bridging research and current events, the authors cover a broad spectrum of topics and suggest relevant policies for addressing the problem of Boko Haram terrorism. While Boko Haram’s motivations are ostensibly religious, the primary focus is on socio-economic inequality as one of the main factors that predispose the disillusioned, poverty-driven and jobless populace in the northern regions of Nigeria to take up arms against the state. The insights presented in this book will help researchers and policy-makers alike to understand the emergence of locally focused terrorist groups and insurgencies.
