Insurgency and Threat to National Security : Examining the New Media's Propagation of Boko Haram Activities in Nigeria

Abstract

Terrorist sects have recently littered the world with their activities, and affected countries keep tackling them with minimal external intervention, most of the time, due to some implications for national security. Boko Haram, like many of the terrorist sects, has been difficult to eradicate, and has incessantly tested and threatened the territorial integrity of Nigeria where it majorly operates through asymmetrical warfare. Activities of Boko Haram include killing, bombing, arson, and abduction, recently, of more than 200 school girls from Chibok in Barno State. The seriousness of the issue since its emergence in 2002 provoked intervention of the Nigerian military and a cooperative alliance with neighboring Lake Chad Basin Commission countries in the form of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF). The News of, and about Boko Haram therefore become highly sought after by the general public, and the new media is at the front of providing it. As the new media in Nigeria evolves, there is a domestic and global appeal for news on Boko Haram through many of its platforms. New media has incredible influence on the audience because of the advantages and ease with which it is used for shaping, accessing and disseminating contested and controversial information. As a result, this study aims at investigating the threats posed by the operations of Boko Haram to the sovereignty of the Nigerian state in view of the fact that information about the sect is available to the public through media representations of their activities. The study explores how the new media has handled the activities of the Boko Haram through reporting, analysis, feedback and watchdog means, viz a viz the implications that the handling has for Nigeria's National Security. The methodology used is qualitative, and was explored by the means of thematic analysis of data garnered through in-depth interviews and focused group discussions. Upon the major finding he the study draws conclusions and recommnedations that are invaluable to the public, Nigerian government, international community and media houses in dealing with Boko Haram and other emerging terrorist sects with a similar ideology and approach. According to the study, terrorism has taken a new dimension and evolved from old to new. The reasons behind the emergence of Boko Haram are numerous but religion ranks uppermost compared to other causal factors. While religion cannot majorly be distanced from both old and new terrorism, the issue of globalization is seen as a precursor and cogent

partner of new terrorism. Based on this study, new terrorism is very broad and has been explored to encompass aviation terrorism, territorial expansion, nuclear weapons, among others. On the other hand, the reportage of Boko Haram related operations on new media platforms have been distorted and fabricated due to the lack of filtration on new media platforms. This implies that anybody can post any information based on their personal view about Boko Haram or any of their attacks and this can be circulated as a valid or current trending information via the new media to meet up with the demands of the international community and society. Such information are capable of further inciting hate, division, creating fear in the society and making terrorism attractive to some people who can become misguided and overwhelmed by the activities of Boko Haram. Furthermore, the study elucidated the effect of deaths and migration as a result of Boko Haram activities on migration and brain drain in Nigeria. More people are being compelled to move to more peaceful and less hostile environments in the quest for absolute security. The abduction of women and children have led to an increase in refugee population in and outside Nigeria. The increase in refugees is a distraction to the government as it does not only drain the country financially but also cripples economic activities within. In addition, potential investors are unknowingly been deterred from visiting or investing in Nigeria. Nigeria should be able to resolve any internal crisis that is geared towards usurping its oneness and unity. Insurgency related operations should be combated and decimated to avoid a total break of peace and law in Nigeria. An anarchical system would further deepen the divides and challenges that Nigeria is currently faced with. Thus, the Nigerian government has to do more to encourage the use of ICT by its citizenry; proper sensitization and education on how one can filter information circulated on new media and other media platforms should be carried out as it will help in the validity and legitimacy of information found online. Furthermore, in a bid to eradicate Boko Haram and other insurgent groups, the Nigerian government should look at poverty alleviation, tackling corruption and maladministration. The Nigerian government has to come up with more vibrant and thorough laws which will help the country move forward. This simply implies that the constitution has to be reviewed and reworked to address the inequalities in Nigeria.