This book investigates the socio-economic determinants of the emergence and persistence of Boko
Haram terrorism in Nigeria. Since 2009 Boko Haram continues to capture mainstream news
headlines as well as the imagination of aspiring young Salafi-jihadists around the world who
support the notion of a radical Islamist socio-political system. By providing an essential
overview of the literature on Boko Haram and bridging research and current events the authors
cover a broad spectrum of topics and suggest relevant policies for addressing the problem of
Boko Haram terrorism. While Boko Haram's motivations are ostensibly religious the primary
focus is on socio-economic inequality as one of the main factors that predispose the
disillusioned poverty-driven and jobless populace in the northern regions of Nigeria to take
up arms against the state. The insights presented in this book will help researchers and
policy-makers alike to understand the emergence of locally focused terrorist groups and
insurgencies.
