ABSTRACT

The evolution of human societies has always entailed the demands and ­aspirations of the people for harmonious co-existence where issues relating to security of lives and property are pursued. This chapter seeks to examine the Boko Haram insurgency, terrorism and the challenges to peace building in the Lake Chad Basin. To adequately capture the foundation and antecedents of the Boko Haram insurgency, it is essential to examine the Nigerian peculiarities as the local epicenter of the phenomenon and the launching pad of its subsequent transnationalization across the Lake Chad Basin. The concept of peace building has been articulated by scholars and institutions in numerous conceptions. The rate of arms smuggled across the border and huge stock of high-grade weapons in the hands of Chadians are issues of serious concern to peace building. The contemporary proliferation of insurgency and terrorism in Africa has been a great challenge to the security and stability of many states, and this experience tends to be aggravated.