Security Challenges and National Development in Nigeria: A Study of Boko Haram

Abstract

Insecurity is a major challenge facing Nigeria today. Significant attention has not been given on how security challenges affect national development in Nigeria. No wonder since the country returned to democratic rule insecurity has slowed down national development. But for reasonable development to be achieved and sustained there should be security. Although Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources, security challenges in the country have created security situation that instigate violence and hinders development. Qualitative analysis was used to examine security challenges created by Boko Haram and the extent the insurgence has shaped development in Nigeria. This paper therefore, examines the security challenges caused by the Boko Haram uprising on the development of Nigeria. It concludes that Boko Haram aggression has severe effects on national development in Nigeria especially in the North East which reduced the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment. The study recommends that for insurgency to come to an end the Nigerian government should address its root causes, by fighting corruption, and providing employment to eradicate poverty and enhancing security.