1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Terrorism is defined as calculated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”
The problem of terrorism and global security has become substantial points of contention in putting in place foreign policy of nations across the globe. Recent researches have revealed that such challenges as, social, economic, political and technological factors that spin around the hub of global security matters have been seriously undermined by dangerous acts of terrorism. This is because terrorism in which ever from poses an alarming kind of violence and threat in the contemporary world, which constitutes great hindrance to free flow relationship that exist amongst nations.
In Nigeria for instance the cause of terrorism ranges from religious extremism, perceived oppression and nationalist separatist or ethnic considerations that no doubt have greatly impacted on the Nigerian foreign policy. The secure position of a state with oil Niger Delta, the impact of terrorism and global security on Nigerian foreign policy measures to combat terrorism and enhance global security.
The rise of terrorism in Nigeria owing to the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Northern Nigeria has greatly washed out the country’s foreign policy drive. The activities Boko Haram in Nigeria have led to negative reactions from groups and nations that have been affected by its activities in the country thereby leading to deterioration of foreign relations of these countries with Nigeria.
Terrorist acts in Nigeria by Boko Haram and other groups have generated so much interest from the international community raising questions as to the potency of government’s strategy to deal with the menace. This is because the audacity of the group has continued unabated amidst government claims of winning the war, every day casualty’s increase at alarming rates after each attack making the general public to lose confidence in the system.
The death of nearly 3,000 civilians, the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings, and the destruction of parts of the Pentagon building on September 11th, forced the international community and especially the American people and US administration – to acknowledge the imminent threat of terrorism. Since then, members of the global jihadist network have not hesitated to utilize a method of modern terrorism that has proved more effective than any other, namely, suicide attacks. Almost a new awareness has started, because everybody saw its damages while a lot of people have died or injured, and unfortunately while terrorist declared their success. Terrorism became the main topic on the top agenda for many nations and institutions.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Impact of Terrorism and Nigerian Foreign Policy.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Nigeria has been caught in the web as terrorist acts are now a regular attribute which has affected its image abroad. This has led to capital flight as many nations have withdrawn their presence in the country making government to lose revenue at an alarming rate. Incidences of abduction and bombings in Nigeria have made the country lose its 6th position as a leading oil exporting country to Angola in 2011 (Ojukwu, 2011).
Enshrined in the foreign policy objective of Nigeria is Economic Diplomacy which is one of the pivots of the Transformation Agenda under the Jonathan Administration (Okoro, 2013). Economic diplomacy is aimed at wooing investors from other countries to invest in Nigeria. The recent security problem in the country has frustrated this goal because instability and violence has led to balance of trade deficits especially in Northern Nigeria
One of the glaring effects of terrorism on foreign policy is that most countries do not look at Nigeria as a serious minded nation to establish an economic agreement with. Hence most acts of terrorism have often times been politicized and facts distorted by government officials for personal gains.
Apart from the economic effects of terrorism, the psyche of Nigerians has also been affected in their everyday life as visiting public places have become dreadful. The productivity ratio of the citizenry has also been reduced which has limited the country’s growth and development, many Nigerians are now suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders as a result of terrorist acts that have affected them psychologically.
Abduction and kidnapping which is one of the tactics of terrorist groups in Nigeria has made foreign country’s to issue travel advice to their citizens against traveling to Nigeria. The tourism industry is the worse hit as it has lost some of its foreign exchange earnings due to a high drop in the patronage of its activities. International organizations such as DFID, USAID, and UNICEF etc have withdrawn support from troubled spots in the country thereby making it difficult for the locals to access essential health and educational programmes which they benefited from in no small measure.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The major aim of this research is to examine the impact of terrorism on Nigerian foreign policy. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To observe the Foreign Relations Policy of government amidst the security challenges posed by the obnoxious trend;
- To examine the rise of terrorism in Nigeria; and
- To examine the measures taken by government to pre-empt its expansion and continue threats to live and property with recommendations drawn forthwith.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the impact of terrorism on Nigerian foreign policy?
- What are the measures taken by government to pre-empt its expansion and continue threats to live and property with recommendations drawn forthwith?
1.5 Significance of Study
The relevance of this research will make the world a peaceful, secured and stable environment is a mission that requires all the effort and contribution of all states in the world. This study is therefore part of this effort to make the global arena a secured, peaceful and terror free world.
This research paper will also assist the government in tackling and reducing, if not stopping terrorism in Nigeria.
In addition this work would impact much knowledge to students of political science, more especially those who are aiming at occupying the post of the president, governor, director of intelligence agencies etc. This work would guide them in various ways they can maintain security and gather intelligence to ensure a peaceful and terror free world.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Impact of Terrorism and Nigerian Foreign Policy.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Lack of Initial Cooperation from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Global Security:
It is the efforts taken by the community of nations to protect against threats which are transnational in nature.
Security:
This is an investment vehicle offered by an insurance company, that guarantees a stream of fixed payments over the life of the annuity.
Terrorism:
As calculated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.
Foreign Policy:
It is the manner and objectives that are important for establishing and maintaining relationships with other countries and people of other lands.
Policy:
A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters
International Security:
International security consists of the measures taken by nations and international organizations, such as the United Nations, to ensure mutual survival and safety in the world. These measures include military action and diplomatic agreements such as treaties and conventions.
Terrorist:
It is an individual who uses violence, terror, and intimidation to achieve a result.
Terror:
It is something that causes very strong feelings of fear. It can also be seen as a violence that is committed by a person, group or government in order to frighten people and achieve political goal.
