Beyond Terrorism and State Polity: Assessing the Significance of Salafi Jihad Ideology in the Rise of Boko Haram

IntroductionThis research is essentially about significance of Salafi Jihad ideology in rise of Boko Haram. The key question is thus if Salafi Jihad ideology really does matter to account for rise of Boko Haram. This research claims that rise of Boko Haram is deep-rooted in Nigeria's historical experiences, narratives, critical events and ideologies. These experiences are reflected in Boko Harams' beliefs and vision similar to one that guided inception of Fulani Jihad in 1804. The research also acknowledges fact that Boko Haram emerged in absence of protective factors including, strong government institutions to promote political cohesion to discourage ethnic alignment, and social developmental mechanisms to promote robust economic development. Therefore, to answer research question, and support claim, study critically examines historical narratives, experiences and critical events including rise of Fulani Jihad and British colonisation. The study further discusses conception and resurgence of Salafi Jihad ideology. The research then documents and analyses rise of Boko Haram, threats group poses to national security, geopolitical implications, and lastly outlines comprehensive counterterrorism measure.BackgroundBarna (2014, 5-23) notes that Mohammed Yusufu a malam (Islamic scholar) founded Boko Haram. He led a left wing of radical youth scholars in 1990s that protested against Nigerian government corruption. Barna further explains that protests against Nigerian government gave root to Yusufu's intention of creating an Islamic State that would be fair and just according to his interpretation of Islamic law. Adesoji (2010, 100) agrees with Barna. He adds that name Boko Haram is a combination of Hausa word Boko which means and Arabic word haram which translates to something ungodly or Precisely, Boko Haram translates to the book is forbidden, or symbolic Western Education is sinful. Aghedo (2014, 237) agrees with both Barna and Adesoji. He further adds that meaning of Boko Haram had been consistent with Yusufu's position until after his death. However, acting leader of Boko Haram mallam Sanni Umaru rectified its translation as Western Civilisation is forbidden, which to a certain degree means same thing.Mauro (2014, 1-9) translates Boko Haram's official name Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad as People Committed to Propagation of Prophet's Teaching and Jihad. He argues that this meaning reflects a selective use of Islamic verse which states anyone who is not governed by what Allah has revealed is among transgressors Mauro (2014, 1-9). Aghedo (2014, 235) also adds that Boko Haram existed as a peaceful movement since 1995 under different names including Yobe Taliban, Yusufiyyah and Ahlusunna wal'jama'ah hijra, Sahaba.He further explains that following arrest and killing of founding leader Mohammed Yusufu in 2009 by Nigerian government forces, new leader Abubakar Shekau declared Jihad on Nigerian government. It was then that Boko Haram began to internalise a set of ideologies and grievances, filtered in a coherent, meaningful way to appeal to larger audience. The group also started promoting its aspiration of reviving an Islamic state in borders where Sokoto Caliphate existed (including parts of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and northern Nigeria).Zenn (2014, 20-23) discusses Boko Haram's carnage since its rise. Zenn notes that in 2010 alone, group murdered more than 4,000 Christians including government officials, Muslim leaders, and civilians in north-eastern Nigeria. In 2011, group carried out 136 attacks killing 559 people and in 2012 killed about a thousand people. He further notes that Yusufu absorbed Al Qaeda's Salafi Jihad ideology, a Saudi Arabian medieval version of Salafism (Salafi Jihad), and new leader Shekau operationalised Yusufu's thinking into Jihad insurgency. …