Root Causes of Terrorism and Insurgency in Nigeria — DSS DG Breaks It Down

Root causes of terrorism in Nigeria: What the DSS Director-General says

The Director-General of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Emeka Ajayi, has shed light on the deep-seated root causes of terrorism and insurgency gripping parts of Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja on September 3, 2026, Ajayi emphasized that addressing these drivers is not just a security imperative but a national obligation. His remarks come amid intensified counterterrorism operations across the North-East and rising concerns over banditry and separatist agitations in other regions.

According to Ajayi, the persistence of terrorism in Nigeria is not merely a military challenge but a complex web of socio-economic, political, and environmental factors. While military action remains essential, he stressed that sustainable peace will only be achieved when these underlying causes are confronted with equal vigour. This perspective aligns with growing calls from civil society and development partners for a whole-of-society approach to national security.

In this report, we unpack the key drivers identified by the DSS leadership and examine how they resonate across Nigeria and the broader Sahel region. We also explore what solutions are being proposed to break the cycle of violence that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.

Poverty and unemployment: The silent engines of radicalisation

One of the most frequently cited root causes of terrorism in Nigeria is the high rate of poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people. In many communities across the North-East, North-West, and parts of the Middle Belt, decades of underdevelopment have left millions without access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities. This vacuum has been exploited by extremist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which offer recruits financial incentives, a sense of belonging, and a distorted narrative of purpose.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as of Q2 2026, Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood at 37.6%, with youth unemployment exceeding 50% in some states. These figures are not just economic statistics—they represent a generation at risk of being radicalised. In Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, where insurgency has been most intense, youth unemployment is estimated to be over 60%, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Experts argue that without urgent investment in education, vocational training, and job creation, the pool of potential recruits for terrorist groups will continue to grow. The DSS Director-General has repeatedly called for a youth empowerment-first security strategy, warning that military operations alone cannot fill the void left by decades of neglect.

From joblessness to jihadism: The journey of many recruits

Recruitment into terrorist groups often begins with a simple offer: a monthly stipend, a motorcycle, or even just a meal. For young men with no prospects, this can be a lifeline. Reports from Maiduguri and Damaturu indicate that many former Boko Haram foot soldiers were initially drawn in by promises of N15,000 to N25,000 monthly—amounts that exceed what many could earn through menial labour.

Once inside the group, indoctrination intensifies, and exit becomes nearly impossible. The cycle is self-reinforcing: poverty creates vulnerability, vulnerability enables recruitment, and recruitment fuels violence. This pattern is not unique to Nigeria; it mirrors trends observed in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where similar conditions have fueled the rise of jihadist movements.

Weak governance and corruption: How state failure fuels insurgency

Another critical root cause of terrorism in Nigeria is the systemic weakness in governance and the pervasive culture of corruption. In many conflict-affected areas, state institutions are either absent, ineffective, or co-opted by elites. This vacuum is fertile ground for insurgent groups to establish parallel systems of administration, justice, and security.

Ajayi highlighted cases where local government funds meant for community development were diverted, leaving villages without schools, hospitals, or roads. In the absence of state presence, terrorist groups step in to provide rudimentary services—distributing food, resolving disputes, and even running rudimentary courts. This creates a dangerous perception among local populations that the insurgents are more reliable than the government.

Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Nigeria 154 out of 180 countries, indicating deep-seated graft that undermines public trust. The DSS has noted that corruption at border posts and within security agencies has facilitated the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and fighters, further emboldening terrorist networks.

Decentralisation and local governance: A path forward?

To counter this, Ajayi advocates for stronger local governance structures that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to community needs. He pointed to successful models in Rwanda and Botswana, where decentralised governance has improved service delivery and reduced grievances that fuel extremism. However, he cautioned that such reforms require political will and long-term commitment.

Climate change and resource scarcity: The environmental dimension

Environmental degradation and climate change are increasingly recognised as major root causes of terrorism in the Sahel belt, including Nigeria. Prolonged droughts, desertification, and shrinking arable land have intensified competition over dwindling resources such as water and farmland. These pressures have led to farmer-herder clashes, which have killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands since 2018.

In states like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Plateau, violent conflicts between herders and farmers have created safe havens for bandit gangs and insurgent groups. These groups exploit the chaos to extort communities, kidnap for ransom, and expand their influence. The DSS has warned that climate-induced migration could further destabilise the region, creating new recruitment grounds for extremists.

From climate stress to conflict: The Sahel lesson

Research by the African Union and the UN Environment Programme shows that regions with high climate vulnerability are 1.5 times more likely to experience violent conflict. In Nigeria’s North-West, communities have reported that Fulani herders, displaced by desertification in the Sahel, are moving southward into areas already stressed by population growth and poor land policies. This has led to violent clashes with farming communities, further eroding social cohesion.</p

Addressing this challenge requires integrated policies that combine climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and conflict-sensitive resource management. The DSS Director-General has urged the federal government to prioritise climate resilience in national security planning, noting that environmental degradation is no longer a distant threat but a current driver of instability.

Ethno-religious tensions and identity politics

Nigeria’s complex ethnic and religious landscape has long been a source of both national pride and violent conflict. While most Nigerians live peacefully side by side, historical grievances, political manipulation, and perceived marginalisation have fueled separatist movements such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in the South-West.

Ajayi acknowledged that ethno-religious tensions are a significant root cause of terrorism in parts of the country. He cited the rise of armed vigilante groups in the South-East, some of which have been proscribed as terrorist organisations. These groups often emerge in response to perceived state neglect or police brutality, but they can quickly spiral into violence against civilians.

In the North-Central zone, the decades-old conflict between predominantly Christian farmers and predominantly Muslim herders has taken on a dangerous religious dimension. This has been exploited by extremist elements to recruit and radicalise youth on both sides.

Media narratives and the amplification of division

The role of social media and partisan news outlets in amplifying ethnic and religious divisions cannot be overstated. False narratives about targeted killings, land grabs, and political conspiracies spread rapidly, fuelling retaliation and mistrust. The DSS has intensified its monitoring of online spaces to detect and counter hate speech and incitement to violence.

Ajayi called for responsible journalism and community dialogue as essential tools to de-escalate tensions. He also urged faith leaders and traditional rulers to play a more active role in promoting peace and reconciliation.

Foreign influence and transnational networks

Nigeria’s porous borders and strategic location in West Africa make it vulnerable to transnational criminal and terrorist networks. Groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram have established links with global jihadist organisations, including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Islamic State’s central command. These connections provide funding, training, and ideological support.

The DSS Director-General highlighted the role of foreign fighters and mercenaries in sustaining insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin. Reports indicate that some fighters are recruited from neighbouring countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, where similar grievances exist. This regional dimension underscores the need for coordinated counterterrorism efforts across the Sahel.

Cross-border cooperation: Progress and challenges

In recent years, Nigeria has strengthened military and intelligence cooperation with its neighbours through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and bilateral agreements. However, challenges remain in harmonising legal frameworks, sharing intelligence, and addressing root causes across borders.

Ajayi stressed that while military cooperation is vital, it must be complemented by development initiatives in border communities. Without addressing the socio-economic conditions that drive recruitment, insurgency will continue to spill across borders.

Military response vs. community trust: The paradox of counterterrorism

Nigeria’s military has achieved significant successes in degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaiming territory, and rescuing hostages. However, the use of heavy-handed tactics in some communities has eroded trust between civilians and security forces. Reports of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and human rights abuses have fueled resentment and pushed some youth into the arms of insurgents.

Ajayi acknowledged this paradox, stating that a modern security service must balance the need for effective operations with respect for human rights and community engagement. He pointed to successful community policing models in states like Lagos and Edo, where trust between police and civilians has reduced crime and improved intelligence gathering.

The role of Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF)

In Borno State, the Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF), composed of local volunteers, have played a crucial role in providing early warning and supporting military operations. Their intimate knowledge of the terrain and community dynamics has been invaluable. However, concerns about their accountability and potential for abuse remain.

The DSS has called for the formalisation and regulation of such groups to ensure they operate within the law and uphold human rights standards.

Education and deradicalisation: Breaking the cycle

Education is one of the most powerful tools in countering the root causes of terrorism. Yet, in conflict zones, schools are often targets of attack. Since 2009, Boko Haram has destroyed over 1,200 schools and killed hundreds of teachers. This has left an entire generation without access to formal education, making them more susceptible to indoctrination.

In response, the federal government, in partnership with UNICEF and the European Union, has launched the Safe Schools Initiative to rebuild and protect educational infrastructure. Ajayi emphasised that education must go beyond physical structures—it must include civic education, critical thinking, and vocational training to equip youth with alternatives to extremism.

Deradicalisation programmes: Do they work?

Nigeria’s deradicalisation programme, operated by the Nigerian Army through the Operation Safe Corridor, has successfully reintegrated hundreds of former Boko Haram members into society. Participants undergo vocational training, religious re-education, and psychosocial support before being reunited with their families.

However, critics argue that the programme lacks depth in addressing the socio-economic conditions that led to radicalisation in the first place. Ajayi acknowledged these limitations and called for a more holistic approach that includes economic empowerment and social reintegration.

Regional spillover: How Nigeria’s crisis affects West and Central Africa

Nigeria’s instability does not exist in isolation. The country’s vast size, porous borders, and economic influence make it a linchpin in West and Central Africa. The spread of insurgency from Nigeria into neighbouring countries has created a regional crisis that threatens the stability of the entire Sahel.

In countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, armed groups linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out attacks, displaced populations, and disrupted trade. This has led to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 10 million people across the Lake Chad Basin, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Lake Chad Basin Commission: A framework for regional action

The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has been instrumental in coordinating military and development efforts across the region. However, funding gaps and political differences have hindered progress. Ajayi called for increased international support, particularly from the African Union and the UN, to strengthen regional institutions and address the root causes of terrorism collectively.

What Nigeria can learn from other African nations

Several African countries have successfully countered insurgency by addressing its root causes. In Somalia, the government, with support from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), combined military action with state-building efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab. While progress has been uneven, the focus on governance and service delivery has reduced recruitment.

In Mozambique, the government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to counter Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado, including dialogue with local leaders, economic development projects, and regional military cooperation. These examples offer valuable lessons for Nigeria as it seeks to stabilise the North-East and beyond.

Comparing strategies: Nigeria vs. Rwanda

Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery offers a stark contrast to Nigeria’s challenges. Through strong leadership, zero tolerance for corruption, and a focus on reconciliation, Rwanda has achieved remarkable stability. While Nigeria’s context is different, elements of Rwanda’s approach—such as community-based justice and economic transformation—could be adapted to local conditions.

Ajayi cautioned against copying models wholesale but stressed the importance of learning from best practices in governance, security sector reform, and social cohesion.

Policy recommendations: A roadmap to peace

Based on the insights shared by the DSS Director-General and analysis from security experts, here are key policy recommendations to address the root causes of terrorism in Nigeria:

1. Economic revitalisation and job creation

Establish a National Youth Empowerment Fund: Targeting youth in high-risk areas with grants, low-interest loans, and vocational training. Partnerships with private sector and international donors can scale impact.
Expand the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP): Increase coverage and funding for programmes like N-Power and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) in conflict zones.
Promote agribusiness and renewable energy: Leverage Nigeria’s agricultural potential and solar resources to create jobs in rural areas, reducing migration to urban centres.

2. Governance and anti-corruption reforms

Strengthen local government autonomy: Ensure local councils have the resources and authority to deliver services and respond to community needs.
Implement transparent procurement systems: Use digital platforms like the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to eliminate ghost workers and ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries.
Enhance oversight of security agencies: Establish independent bodies to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and corruption within the military and police.

3. Climate resilience and resource management

Launch a National Climate Adaptation Plan: Focus on drought-resistant agriculture, water conservation, and reforestation in the Sahel region.
Mediate farmer-herder conflicts: Establish state-level dialogue forums and provide alternative livelihoods for both farmers and herders.
Invest in renewable energy: Solar-powered irrigation and off-grid energy solutions can reduce pressure on dwindling resources.

4. Education and deradicalisation

Rebuild and protect schools: Expand the Safe Schools Initiative with community-based security measures.
Expand deradicalisation and reintegration programmes: Include mental health support, economic empowerment, and family reconciliation in deradicalisation efforts.
Promote peace education: Integrate conflict resolution, civic education, and interfaith dialogue into school curricula and community programmes.

5. Regional cooperation and intelligence-sharing

Strengthen the MNJTF: Increase funding, intelligence-sharing, and joint operations with neighbouring countries.
Harmonise border security: Implement biometric screening and joint patrols at porous borders to curb the movement of fighters and weapons.
Support the African Union’s Sahel Strategy: Align Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts with continental frameworks to ensure coherence and sustainability.

Public perception and the role of civil society

Public trust in government efforts to address the root causes of terrorism remains low in many communities. Civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and religious institutions play a critical role in bridging this gap. They are often the first responders in conflict zones, providing humanitarian aid, mediation, and psychosocial support.

Organisations like the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Nigerian Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation have been instrumental in promoting peacebuilding and governance reforms. Their work complements the efforts of government agencies and international partners.

Community policing and early warning systems

Community policing initiatives, such as the Neighbourhood Watch in some states, have improved local security and intelligence gathering. These models should be scaled up in conflict-prone areas, with proper training and oversight to prevent abuse.

Early warning systems that utilise local networks and technology can help detect and prevent violence before it escalates. The DSS has advocated for the use of digital platforms to crowdsource information from communities, ensuring that security agencies are responsive to local needs.

Conclusion: A call to action

The words of the DSS Director-General are a sobering reminder that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism cannot be won on the battlefield alone. The root causes of terrorism—poverty, unemployment, weak governance, climate change, ethno-religious tensions, and foreign influence—are deeply entrenched and require a sustained, multi-sectoral response.

While military operations have degraded insurgent capabilities, lasting peace will only be achieved when communities see tangible improvements in their daily lives. This demands political will, adequate funding, and a commitment to transparency and accountability from all levels of government.

As Nigeria looks ahead to 2027, the path forward is clear: invest in people, strengthen institutions, and build resilience. Only then can the cycle of violence be broken, and a future of peace and prosperity be secured for all Nigerians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main root causes of terrorism in Nigeria?

The primary drivers include extreme poverty and unemployment, weak governance and corruption, climate change and resource scarcity, ethno-religious tensions, and foreign influence from transnational terrorist networks. These factors create an environment where extremist groups can recruit, operate, and thrive.

How does climate change contribute to insurgency in Nigeria?

Climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, particularly water and arable land, leading to violent conflicts between farmers and herders. These clashes create insecurity and provide safe havens for bandits and insurgents. Additionally, environmental degradation drives migration, increasing competition for limited resources and fuelling grievances.

What role does the DSS play in countering terrorism?

The Department of State Services (DSS) is responsible for domestic intelligence, counterterrorism, and protecting national security. The agency focuses on gathering intelligence, disrupting terrorist networks, and collaborating with military and law enforcement agencies. Under Ajayi’s leadership, the DSS has emphasised the need for intelligence-led operations and community engagement to address the root causes of terrorism.

Can deradicalisation programmes effectively reintegrate former terrorists?

Nigeria’s deradicalisation programme, Operation Safe Corridor, has successfully reintegrated hundreds of former Boko Haram members. However, experts argue that these programmes must be complemented by economic empowerment and social reintegration to prevent recidivism. Long-term success depends on addressing the socio-economic conditions that led to radicalisation in the first place.

How can Nigeria improve regional cooperation to combat terrorism?

Nigeria can strengthen regional cooperation by increasing funding and intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). It should also align its counterterrorism efforts with continental frameworks like the African Union’s Sahel Strategy. Addressing the root causes of terrorism across borders—such as poverty, climate change, and weak governance—is essential for sustainable peace.

Sources

This report draws on the remarks of the DSS Director-General, Emeka Ajayi, delivered on September 3, 2026, as reported by Vanguard News.

ByEditorial Team