Nigeria: The Giant of Africa

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Nigeria, a country that exalts itself as the “Giant of Africa”, viewed by neighboring countries as “big in words, little in action,” has an opportunity to walk softly, but carry a big stick. Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, which operates in the northern states of Nigeria, has arguably gained control of the area and has incited fear in many of northern Nigeria’s citizens. Violence has spread like wildfire in parts of Nigeria, and people are asking, “is Nigeria capable of dealing with an insurgency of this level?”, and “If Nigeria is being significantly threatened by a group as loosely organized, but as deadly, as Boko Haram, what chance do we have to contain an insurgency?” Nigeria has the potential to be an economic powerhouse of Africa, which undoubtedly will influence other nations in the immediate area. This potential can be fully realized, and expanded upon, if Nigeria is able to deal with forces that aim to cripple it. This assessment will evaluate the internal threats that Nigeria faces, analyze the regional impact that Nigeria has on the continent of Africa, and demonstrate cause and effects.
Threats
The northern portion of Nigeria faces a formidable threat from the Islamic insurgent group Boko Haram. Boko Haram has managed to undeniably gain control over entire cities in northern Nigeria through extreme acts of brazen violence and intimidation. Boko Haram established itself to combat the influence of western civilization and establish a Muslim dominant, Sharia law based government in Nigeria. Multiple mass casualty incidents have been claimed by or attributed to Boko Haram and, in some incidents, independent groups that have claimed to be part of Boko Haram. The biggest threat that Boko Haram poses is a detrimental im...

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