Benue State University, Makurdi

Frantz Fanon’s Theory of Alienation and Terrorism in Nigeria: A Study of Boko Haram

Maduekwe Vincent Chuks

Abstract

This study specifically sought to establish the relationship between alienation and Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. This is a qualitative study that employed the ex post facto, which examined the relationship between the independent variable (Frantz Fanon theory of alienation) and dependent variable (terrorism). This study adopted the Frantz Fanon’s Theory of Alienation, which states that colonial state is alien, exploitative, violent and oppressive, which leads to alienation of the colonized peoples, and more fundamentally, activates the consciousness to enforce change through the instrumentality of the greater use of violence; while analyzing the relationship between alienation and the Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. The findings of this study were that there is devastating socio-economic and political decadence in Nigeria, which has brought various forms of alienation amongst Nigerians; there is a cogent relationship between alienation and Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria; the Nigerian government efforts towards combating Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria has yielded low impacts; and the need for a deeper understanding of issues bordering on radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism in Nigeria. The study thus recommends that the government of Nigeria should endeavor to explore the Islamic intentions behind Boko Haram insurgence; there is need to reconsider the influence of the British on Nigeria; and the need to put corruption to check at every level of governance in Nigeria.

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