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A Critical Analysis of the Humanitarian Effects of the Boko Haram Insurgency in

Northern Nigeria

Introduction

The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has had a devastating impact on the

humanitarian situation in the region. This conflict has been ongoing for over a decade and has

resulted in the displacement of millions of people, with many forced to flee their homes and seek

refuge elsewhere. The crisis has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of people in the

region, and there are concerns about the long-term consequences of the conflict.

The Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009 as a response to government corruption and

injustice in the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria. The group aims to establish an Islamic

state in Nigeria and has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians and government

targets. According to a report by the United Nations, the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in

the death of over 37,500 people, with millions displaced from their homes. The conflict has also

had a severe impact on the economy, with businesses and infrastructure destroyed, making it

difficult for people to access basic services.

Despite efforts by the Nigerian government and international organizations to address the

crisis, the conflict has persisted, and the humanitarian situation in the region continues to

deteriorate. According to a report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, there were

over 2.2 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria in 2020, with the majority of them

located in the northeast region. This crisis has led to widespread poverty and food insecurity,

with many people unable to access basic necessities such as healthcare and education.
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One of the key challenges facing humanitarian organizations working in the region is

access. The conflict has made it difficult for aid workers to reach affected communities, and

there are concerns about the safety of those providing assistance. In addition, the Boko Haram

insurgency has led to the proliferation of armed groups and criminal networks, making it difficult

to distinguish between combatants and civilians. This has resulted in many people being detained

or killed based on suspicion alone.

The impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on women and children has been particularly

severe. According to a report by UNICEF, the conflict has resulted in the abduction of over 1,000

children, many of whom have been forced to become soldiers or sex slaves. Women have also

been targeted, with reports of sexual violence and forced marriage. This has had a significant

impact on the mental and physical health of those affected, and there are concerns about the

long-term consequences of these experiences.

The humanitarian response to the crisis has been complex and challenging, with many

organizations struggling to meet the needs of those affected. According to a report by the

International Committee of the Red Cross, the conflict has resulted in the closure of health

facilities, making it difficult for people to access medical care. There are also concerns about the

impact of the conflict on education, with many schools closed or destroyed, leaving children

without access to education.

This critical analysis aims to examine the humanitarian effects of the Boko Haram

insurgency in Northern Nigeria, considering the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations,

the response of the Nigerian government and international community, and the experiences of

women and children affected by the conflict, with a focus on the long-term consequences.

Drawing on academic sources, reports from international organizations, and the perspectives of
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affected individuals, this analysis seeks to deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics of

the conflict and the challenges faced by those working to address the crisis.

The Research Process

The process will comprise field research and a literature review. The literature review

will provide a foundation for the study. The researcher will conduct a thorough review of

existing literature on the Boko Haram insurgency, humanitarian action, and conflict zones. It will

involve the identification and analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, and other

relevant materials. The researcher will also employ an exhaustive search strategy to ensure that

all relevant literature is identified. The literature review will be guided by the research questions

and objectives of the study. The researcher will analyze and synthesize the literature to identify

gaps in knowledge and areas requiring further research. The review will also provide insights

into the theoretical framework that will guide the study.

The field research stage will involve data collection through in-depth interviews, focus

group discussions, and observations. The study will utilize a qualitative research approach as it is

most appropriate for investigating complex social phenomena such as the Boko Haram

insurgency, humanitarian action, and conflict zones. The researcher will employ purposive

sampling to select key stakeholders for the study such as humanitarian workers, government

officials, and local communities affected by the insurgency. The investigator will also observe

and document the activities of humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones. The data

collected will be analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques such as content analysis,

thematic analysis, and discourse analysis.

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As with any research process, ethical considerations will be at the forefront of the study.

To ensure the safety and security of all participants, the investigator will obtain informed consent

from all parties involved. Moreover, to protect the confidentiality of participants, pseudonyms

will be used to replace their real identities. The researcher will also take all necessary measures

to guarantee the safety and security of both the participants and themselves during the field

research. Due to the nature of the conflict zones, the researcher may face challenges in accessing

certain areas or groups, necessitating the need for extra precautions to ensure the safety and

security of all involved. The potential for bias in the data collection and analysis process is a

significant challenge. To mitigate this challenge, the investigator will use triangulation

techniques, which involve using multiple sources of data, and engaging in reflexive practices.

These measures will reduce the likelihood of bias, ensuring that the findings of the study are as

accurate and valid as possible.

Research Questions

The primary research question for this thesis is, "How does the Boko Haram insurgency

influence humanitarian efforts in Northern Nigeria?" This will be supported by the following

sub-questions:

1. What are the main challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing aid in

conflict zones?

2. How do local communities perceive the role of humanitarian organizations in addressing

the humanitarian crisis caused by the insurgency?

3. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in providing aid in a conflict zone?
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Aim and Objectives

The aim of this thesis is to provide a critical analysis of the humanitarian effects of the Boko

Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria.

The specific objectives are

 To examine the impact of the insurgency on humanitarian efforts in the region.

 To explore the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing aid to

affected populations.

 To assess the perceptions of local communities regarding the role of humanitarian

organizations in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the insurgency.

 To analyze the ethical dilemmas involved in providing aid in a conflict zone.

Relevance to the Field of Humanitarian Action

The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has resulted in a complex humanitarian

crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. The study will

contribute to the field of humanitarian action by providing insights into the challenges faced by

humanitarian organizations in responding to crises in conflict zones. The research findings will

be useful for policymakers, humanitarian workers, and other stakeholders involved in

humanitarian action in conflict zones.

Methodology

The study will utilize a qualitative research approach, with data collected through in-

depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The research will be conducted in

Northern Nigeria, focusing on areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. The study will
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involve interviews with key stakeholders, including humanitarian workers, government officials,

and local communities affected by the insurgency. The data will be analyzed using thematic

analysis.

Limitations and Ethical Dilemmas

One of the main limitations of this study is the difficulty in accessing conflict zones and

conducting research in such environments. Another limitation is the potential bias in the data

collected from interviews with key stakeholders, who may have their own agendas and interests.

Ethical dilemmas include ensuring the safety of participants, maintaining confidentiality, and

avoiding harm to participants.

Thesis Outline

The Boko Haram insurgency has created a humanitarian crisis in Northern Nigeria,

leading to the displacement of millions of people and the worsening of the humanitarian

situation. Despite the efforts of the Nigerian government and international organizations, the

conflict continues, and the humanitarian needs of the affected populations persist. This critical

analysis aims to answer research questions related to the challenges faced by humanitarian

organizations in providing aid in conflict zones, the perceptions of local communities towards

humanitarian organizations' role in addressing the crisis, and the ethical dilemmas involved in

providing aid in such situations. The study's objective is to examine the long-term consequences

of the Boko Haram insurgency on affected communities, with a focus on the experiences of

women and children.

The study will explore the impact of the conflict on humanitarian efforts in the region,

examine the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations, assess the perceptions of local
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communities towards the role of humanitarian organizations, and analyze the ethical dilemmas

involved in providing aid in a conflict zone. The study's relevance to the field of humanitarian

action lies in its potential to inform policy and practice in addressing the humanitarian effects of

the Boko Haram insurgency and other crises.

BACKGROUND

The Historical Context of the Boko Haram Insurgency

The Boko Haram insurgency can be traced back to the late 1990s when Nigeria was

undergoing a political, economic, and social transformation after years of military dictatorship.

In this context, the northeastern region of Nigeria, which is predominantly Muslim, felt left out

of the political process, leading to a growing resentment towards the government in power. In

2002, the group was founded by Mohammed Yusuf, a radical Islamic cleric, who preached a

message of social justice and the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. Over

the years, the group has evolved, adopting different tactics and strategies to achieve its goals,

including suicide bombings, attacks on civilians, and kidnappings. The Nigerian government's

response to the insurgency has been criticized for being inadequate and ineffective, leading to an

escalation of the crisis and a worsening of the humanitarian situation.

The Humanitarian Impact of the Boko Haram Insurgency

The Boko Haram insurgency has had a devastating impact on the people of Northern

Nigeria, with significant humanitarian consequences. The conflict has led to the displacement of

over 2.7 million people, with many forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded

camps or with relatives. This has resulted in a strain on resources, with limited access to food,
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water, and medical services. The United Nations estimates that over 7 million people are in need

of humanitarian assistance, with children being the most affected.

The crisis has also had a significant impact on the economy of the affected areas, with

many people losing their livelihoods and means of income. The agriculture and fishing

industries, which are the main sources of income for many in the region, have been severely

affected by the conflict, leading to a decline in production and food shortages. This has further

exacerbated the humanitarian situation, with malnutrition rates among children increasing

significantly. The conflict has also had a significant impact on education in the region, with many

schools being destroyed, and teachers and students forced to flee. This has led to a disruption of

education and a significant increase in the number of out-of-school children. The impact of the

crisis on education is expected to have long-term consequences for the affected population, with

many children missing out on critical skills and knowledge.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria

Boko Haram's insurgency has had a significant impact on the humanitarian situation in northern

Nigeria, leading to the displacement of over two million people, widespread food insecurity, and

violations of human rights. Various scholars have studied the insurgency and its effects, and their

findings provide critical insights for a comprehensive analysis of the humanitarian implications

of the crisis. One key issue that emerges from the literature is the extent to which Boko Haram's

ideology and tactics have contributed to the displacement and suffering of civilians in the region.
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According to Kayode Atewologun (2021), Boko Haram's ideology is rooted in a fundamentalist

interpretation of Islam, which advocates for the establishment of an Islamic state in Nigeria and

the imposition of sharia law. The group has used violence and terror tactics to achieve its goals,

targeting both state institutions and civilians perceived to be sympathetic to the Nigerian

government. The resulting conflict has led to the displacement of millions of people, with many

forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded camps. As Dunn (2018) notes, the

camps themselves have become sites of further human rights abuses, with reports of sexual

violence, forced labor, and inadequate access to basic services such as healthcare and education.

These findings suggest that Boko Haram's ideology and tactics are major drivers of the

humanitarian crisis in northern Nigeria and that efforts to address the situation must take into

account the group's extremist beliefs and actions.

Another critical issue highlighted in the literature is the role of external actors in exacerbating the

humanitarian effects of the insurgency. For example, Kangdi̇ m et al. (2022), argue that

international responses to the crisis have been inadequate and ineffective, with a focus on

military intervention rather than long-term solutions such as poverty reduction and development

assistance. The authors also note that foreign aid and military support have been channeled

through the Nigerian government, which has been accused of human rights violations and

corruption. Similarly, Ani et al. (2021) highlights the negative impact of climate change on the

region, with increased desertification and drought exacerbating food insecurity and poverty. The

authors argue that addressing these environmental factors is critical for achieving sustainable

peace and stability in the region. These findings suggest that a comprehensive analysis of the

humanitarian effects of the Boko Haram insurgency must take into account the role of external

actors and broader structural factors such as poverty and climate change.
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The literature also highlights the need for a human rights-based approach to addressing the

humanitarian effects of the insurgency. According to Mujuzi (2017), such an approach would

prioritize the protection of civilians and the promotion of their rights, including the right to

education, healthcare, and freedom from discrimination and violence. Similarly, Perrin et al.

(2019) advocate for a gender-sensitive approach that recognizes the unique challenges faced by

women and girls in the conflict, including sexual violence and forced marriage. These findings

suggest that a critical analysis of the humanitarian effects of the Boko Haram insurgency must

take into account the principles of human rights and gender equality.

Humanitarian Action in conflict zones

Significant challenges facing humanitarian actors in Northern Nigeria are attributable to the

complex political landscape of the region. Several actors, including the Nigerian government,

local militia groups, and Boko Haram insurgents, are involved in the conflict, creating a

challenging environment for humanitarian workers. In a study by Safarpour et al. (2020), it was

found that the politicization of humanitarian aid was a significant challenge facing actors. This

politicization undermines the impartiality of humanitarian action and can lead to further conflict

and violence. To address this challenge, humanitarian actors must work closely with all parties

involved in the conflict to ensure that aid is distributed based on need rather than political

considerations.

Another challenge facing humanitarian actors in Northern Nigeria is the security situation in the

region. The Boko Haram insurgency has created a highly volatile security environment that

makes it difficult for humanitarian workers to operate safely. In a study by Shehu and Abba

(2020), it was found that the security situation in Northern Nigeria was a significant challenge

facing humanitarian actors. The study highlighted how the Boko Haram insurgency had resulted
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in the kidnapping and killing of aid workers, making it difficult for organizations to recruit and

retain staff. To address this challenge, humanitarian actors must work closely with the

government and security forces to ensure the safety of aid workers. This can be achieved by

implementing security protocols, such as ensuring that aid workers have access to secure

transportation and accommodation and conducting regular security assessments to identify and

address potential risks.

Challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in conflict zones

Humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones face numerous challenges that affect their

ability to provide assistance to those in need. One of the most significant challenges is the risk of

violence and insecurity, which can make it difficult for aid workers to access affected

populations and deliver assistance. In the context of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria,

humanitarian organizations have faced significant challenges due to the ongoing violence and

insecurity in the region. According to Reuters (2018), Boko Haram has targeted humanitarian

workers and aid convoys, leading to the suspension of humanitarian operations and the

displacement of aid workers from affected areas.

Another challenge faced by humanitarian organizations in conflict zones is the limited access to

resources and funding. Humanitarian organizations rely on donations and funding from

governments and other stakeholders to carry out their operations, but in conflict zones, resources

may be scarce, and access to affected populations may be limited, making it difficult to deliver

assistance effectively. In the case of Northern Nigeria, the Boko Haram insurgency has led to the

displacement of millions of people, creating a significant need for humanitarian assistance.

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Ethical Dilemmas in humanitarian action

The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has created ethical dilemmas for humanitarian

actors who are trying to provide aid in a complex and often dangerous environment. According

to Demeyere (2020), humanitarian organizations working in Northern Nigeria are faced with the

challenge of balancing the need to provide assistance with the risk of being seen as aligned with

one side of the conflict. This creates ethical dilemmas around the concept of neutrality and how it

should be balanced against the practicalities of operating in a conflict zone.

The tension between humanitarian principles and the imperative to maintain security for aid

workers is also significant. According to United Nations (2017), the Boko Haram insurgency has

led to an increase in securitization measures by aid organizations, which can lead to restrictions

on access to vulnerable populations. This creates tension between the principles of impartiality

and the need to ensure the safety of aid workers and raises ethical questions about the appropriate

balance between these two objectives. Some of these security measures can also reinforce the

perception of aid organizations aligned with particular actors in the conflict, leading to concerns

about impartiality and neutrality.

Theoretical Framework

The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has had severe humanitarian impacts, causing

significant displacement, loss of life, and economic disruption. A critical analysis of this issue

can be approached using post-colonial theory, which highlights the role of colonialism and

imperialism in shaping contemporary global power dynamics. This framework can illuminate

how the Boko Haram insurgency is not simply a local conflict but is deeply interconnected with

broader historical processes of domination and resistance.

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The post-colonial theory emphasizes that the Boko Haram insurgency cannot be viewed as a

purely local matter, as it is interconnected with broader historical processes of colonialism and

imperialism. The theory asserts that the global system is structured by unequal power relations

between former colonial powers and the countries they colonized. These power dynamics persist

today and are manifested in various forms, including economic exploitation, political

domination, and cultural hegemony. By analyzing the Boko Haram insurgency through this lens,

the thesis can reveal how the conflict is not a purely local issue but is instead tied to broader

historical processes of domination and resistance.

The theory also illuminates the ways in which the Boko Haram insurgency is linked to global

power dynamics. For example, it highlights how the dominant powers use various forms of

intervention to maintain their power, including economic, political, and military interventions.

This framework can reveal how the international community's responses to the Boko Haram

insurgency are not neutral but are instead shaped by broader geopolitical interests. The post-

colonial theory can therefore offer an analytical framework to scrutinize the humanitarian effects

of the Boko Haram insurgency.

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Chapter 3: Methodology

Research design

Data collection

Data analysis

Chapter 4: Findings

Impact of the Boko Haram Insurgency on humanitarian efforts

Challenges faced by humanitarian organizations

Perceptions of local communities

Ethical dilemmas in providing aid in conflict zones

Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusion

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