THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY ON SOCIO-POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study investigated the implications of the Boko Haram insurgency on socio-political development in North-East Nigeria. The aim of the study was to assess how the insurgency has disrupted socio-political structures, affected governance, and influenced regional development. The scope of the study covered the period from 2009 to 2023, focusing on the direct and indirect consequences of the Boko Haram conflict in states such as Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, utilizing interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, security personnel, local leaders, and citizens, as well as secondary data from reports and academic literature. The theoretical framework of the study was based on Conflict Theory, which examines how violent conflicts disrupt social, political, and economic systems. The findings of the study revealed that the Boko Haram insurgency has significantly hampered socio-political development in the region, resulting in displacement, weakened governance, and stunted economic growth. The study concluded that the insurgency has not only destabilized the region but also eroded public trust in government institutions. Therefore, the study recommended strengthening security infrastructure, enhancing regional development initiatives, and fostering community engagement to build resilience and restore stability in the affected areas.