Idris Saminu1 & Musa Umar Adam2
1&2 Department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Corresponding author’s email: isaminu@abu.edu.ng
Abstract
This paper investigates the hybrid operational character of Boko Haram within the contexts of methods, strategies, and organizational affiliations in the northwestern region. This is due to the continued expansion of Boko Haram into the region since the military reinvigoration in the northeast. The new military operations in the region have caused serious disorientation in the ranks of Boko haram, which necessitated a move to other regions to avoid defeat by the Nigerian military. This study uses qualitative methods to demonstrate the vast range of techniques connected with bandits and other groups in the area based on the operational nexus. The materials used were content analyzed thematically. This study is predicated on Makarenko’s crime-terror nexus model for the analysis. The theory highlighted levels of alliances, convergence, and operational tools armed groups adopt to achieve their goals. The paper finds that Boko haram has developed hybrid operational strategies to expand its operational areas for a continued existence. The hybrid operational character was developed based on alliances and the adoption of operational tools. The study recommends that Nigeria first understand this development as a new hybrid threat to deal with and contain Boko Haram and other groups of similar style in Nigeria.
References
Abdulaziz, A. (2021). Investigation: Boko Haram, others in mass recruitment of bandits. Daily sTrust News Paper. https://dailytrust.com/boko-haram-others-in-mass-recruitment-of-bandits
Abdunabiyevich, E. S. (2022). Criminological description of organized crime. The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology, 04(04), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume04Issue04-01
Adelaja, A. O., Labo, A., &Penar, E. (2018). Public Opinion on the root causes of terrorism and objectives of terrorists: A Boko Haram case study. Perspectives on Terrorism, 12(3), 35–49.
Aghedo, I., & Eke, S. J. (2013). From Alms to Arms: The Almajiri Phenomenon and Internal Security in Northern Nigeria. The Korean Journal of Policy Studies.
Amao, O. B. (2020). A decade of terror: revisiting Nigeria’s interminable Boko Haram insurgency. Security Journal, 33(3), 357–375. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41284-020-00232-8
Anka, Y. (2022, March 17). The bandit warlords of Zamfara. BBC Africa Eye Documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-fPEHUqhyA
Anugwom, E. E. (2019). The Boko Haram Insurgence In Nigeria. In The Boko Haram Insurgence In Nigeria. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96959-6
Arias, E. D. (2010). Understanding Criminal Networks, Political Order, and Politics in Latin America. In Ungoverned Spaces. Alternatives to State Authority in an Era of Softened Sovereignty.
Bacon, J. (2017). 5 Boko Haram leaders were freed in exchange for 82 Nigerian girls. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/07/five-boko-haram-commanders-released-deal-freed-82-schoolgirls/101403146/
Barkindo, A. (2020). The Sahel: A New Theatre for Global Jihadist Groups ?12(2), 21–26.
Barnett, J. (2021, June 4). Boko Haram Isn’t Nigeria’s Biggest Problem. Foreign Policy. https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/06/04/boko-haram-bandits-nigeria-buhari-biggest-problem/
Botha, A., &Abdile, M. (2016). Getting behind the profiles of Boko Haram members and factors contributing to radicalisation versus working towards peace. [working paper]. The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.
Boukhars, A. (2020). The logic of violence in Africa’s extremist insurgencies. Perspectives on Terrorism, 14(5), 117–129.
Briscoe, I. (2013). Non-conventional armed violence and non-state actors: Challenges for mediation and humanitarian action. http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/2012-record-year-for-
Campana, P., & Varese, F. (2022a). The determinants of group membership in organized crime in the UK: A network study. Global Crime, 23(1), 5–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/17440572.2022.2042261
Campana, P., & Varese, F. (2022b). Studying organized crime networks: Data sources, boundaries and the limits of structural measures. Social Networks, 149–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2020.03.002
Dupuy, K., Gates, S., Nygård, H. M., Rudolfsen, I., Strand, H., &Urdal, H. (2016). Trends in Armed Conflict, 1946-2015. PRIO Conflict Trends.
EONS Intelligence. (2021). Organized crime facts: Zamfara state.