Ayobanna Ikeanumba
Nigeria, a nation rich in cultural diversity and natural resources, has been grappling with the scourge of terrorism for over a decade. The rise of groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has led to widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life. While the narrative often focuses on the terrorists themselves, a more complex issue lurks beneath the surface, which is the role of the Nigerian government in inadvertently funding and perpetuating terrorism in the country.
Highlighting this will explore the many troubling ways in which government actions, policies, and systemic failures contribute to the ongoing crisis.
First is Corruption and Misallocation of Resources by the government.
One of the most significant ways the Nigerian government has been implicated in funding terrorism is through rampant unchecked corruption. Over the years, billions of dollars allocated for military operations, counter-terrorism efforts, and humanitarian aid have often been misappropriated and embezzled.
Reports indicate that funds meant for equipping the military and supporting displaced populations have been siphoned off by corrupt officials. This misallocation not only weakens the military’s capacity to combat terrorism but also exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, creating a fertile ground for extremist ideologies to flourish.
There are many instances, but will highlight few. The “Armsgate” Scandal was high-profile case involved former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, who was accused of misappropriating approximately $2 billion intended for arms procurement to fight Boko Haram. Funds were allegedly diverted through fictitious contracts and shell companies. Investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicted over 300 individuals and companies.
Also an ex-military chief was accused by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) of stealing ₦4 billion from the military budget, which was used to purchase luxury properties in Abuja.
Again, a military contractor received approximately ₦6 billion from the Nigerian Army under suspicious circumstances, leading to the recovery of luxury cars, designer watches, and property documents.
More recently, an Army General was accused of siphoning millions intended for soldiers’ welfare to fund private businesses and U.S. real estate.
Also in early 2024, authorities in New Jersey ruled that $8.9 million siphoned by corrupt Nigerian officials in 2014 from military funds was illicitly obtained and would be returned to Nigeria
Secondly, the Nigerian government’s failure to address the underlying socio-economic issues that fuel terrorism is another damaging factor. High unemployment rates, poverty, and lack of access to education create an environment where young people are susceptible to radicalization.
Instead of investing in community development, education, and job creation, the government has often resorted to heavy-handed military responses to address social reactions. This approach not only alienates local populations but also drives some individuals toward extremist groups, inadvertently funding their operations through recruitment and support.
There are more than 3 million out of school children in Northern Nigeria, of which many of them are in the Almajari sect.
The Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria is a centuries-old, non-formal Islamic education tradition where millions of young boys (aged 4-12) are sent away by parents, often due to poverty, to live with Mallams (teachers). Due to a lack of funding and support, many of these children are forced into begging and menial labor, resulting in high rates of malnutrition, disease, exploitation, and vulnerability to security threats
It’s reported that these kids are easy recruits by insurgent groups.
Thirdly the Nigerian military’s response to terrorism has been criticized for its brutality and human rights violations. Reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and the displacement of innocent civilians have emerged from conflict zones by Amnesty International and other local and foreign human rights agencies. Such actions not only undermine the legitimacy of the government but also create resentment among local populations.
When communities and a people feel oppressed by their own government, they may turn to extremist groups for protection or support, further entrenching the cycle of violence and funding terrorism indirectly.
Fourthly, the Nigerian government has also been accused of using terrorism as a political tool to manipulate and incite ethnic tension. In some instances, political leaders have been alleged to exploit ethnic and religious tensions to consolidate power. The current Tinubu government is notorious in this especially by it’s malicious spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who’s insensitive public comments have gravelly divide the country more.
By failing to address grievances and injustices, the government inadvertently creates an environment where extremist groups can thrive. This manipulation of ethnic and religious identities not only destabilizes Nigeria but also diverts attention from the government’s failures, allowing terrorism to persist.
Also, the Nigerian government has relied heavily on international aid to combat terrorism and address humanitarian needs. However, this dependency can create a cycle where funds are mismanaged or misallocated, ultimately benefiting terrorist organizations.
When aid does not reach those who need it most, it can lead to increased support for extremist groups that promise security and resources. The lack of accountability in the distribution of international aid further complicates the situation, allowing terrorism and criminality to be inadvertently funded through systemic failures.
The issue of terrorism in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, with the government’s role being both direct and indirect. Corruption, failure to address root causes, inadequate military responses, political manipulation, and dependency on international aid all contribute to the nightmare.
It is therefore upon the President and his team to intentionally and ruthlessly deal with corruption in the defence space and take genuine steps to recalibrate the workings of the country, else in no time, the nation would implode by itself.
