ABSTRACT
The conflict–insecurity nexus in Nigeria's Fourth Republic exists in two main contexts. The first is the intergroup conflicts which are often communal, ethno-political, religious and ethno-religious. The second context involves insurgencies of ethno-linguistic groups fiercely engaging the Nigerian state, and these are found in each geopolitical zone of the country. Cognizant of the global war on Islamist terrorism since 2001 and the instances of setbacks and comebacks by Boko Haram, this chapter presents the tactics and strategies that have sustained Boko Haram from 2003 to 2009 and 2009 to 2016 and how the state has responded. It challenges the assertion of Boko Haram's technical defeat. The chapter argues that rethinking Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy and tactics should combine instruments of hard and soft counter-terrorism. Primary data was generated through interviews with respondents, comprising security agents, relevant government agents and journalists.
