TERRORISM AND NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS HER IMMEDIATE NEIGHBOURS

Abstract

This study titled “Terrorism and Nigerian Foreign Policy towards her Immediate Neighbors” examined Nigeria relations with sister states of Africa in the wake of Boko Haram Terrorist activities, especially as it concerns her immediate neighbors. The work assessed the role being played by African neighbours of Nigeria especially those sharing borders with her; Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Nigeria despite her having Africa as the centre-piece of her foreign policy has concentrated its activities in West Africa. Infact West Africa is said to be her “activity Area” and her involvement increases resolutions in African states has equally concentrated in West Africa(Niger’s own sub-region of Africa). However, the emergence of Boko Haram terrorist activities appear to be introducing new dimensions in Nigeria perception of security in Africa in collective terms.

The study adopted structural-functional theory as an explanatory framework for better understanding. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested using content analytical approach. At the end, the findings indicated that there have been shifts in Nigeria perception of collective security in Africa. With the emergence of Boko Haram terrorist sect, Nigeria now has military alliances and cooperation’s with African sister states beyond her West Africa sub-region. It was equally revealed that in May regards Nigerian neighbours are showing high cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram which has origin in Nigeria. Among other recommendations were commended that; the federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN)should Endeavour to establish military bases in all the African countries sharing borders with her and that border security by Nigeria should be overhauled in a way that it will meet the current regime “change” project. By this, one is advocating corruption freeborders.