| Title: |
Interrogating the Nexus between Social Media and Boko Haram, Bandits, Kidnappers in Post COVID-19-Nigeria |
| Author(s): |
Nnaemeka O. Frank & Ezeoke Paul Chidi |
| Abstract: |
Digital technology and emergence of social media in Nigeria no doubt brought a new dawn in social-economic and political activities in the country. Internet and mass use of mobile phones increased use of social media. However, social media have also provide tools for terrorist organizations like Boko Haram, Bandits and Kidnappers to increase their activities in the country as it provided platforms for the groups to recruit, train and interact with their members and those they target to recruit as
members. Terrorists, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria have been rising sharply over the last decade targeting civilians and security forces in their campaign of violence. The country has continued to witness horrifying acts of violence which have continued to undermine socio-economic and political activities in the country. According to Global Risk Consultancy Verisk Maplecroft by last year 2020, Nigeria is one of the top ten countries in the world in terms of terrorism risk. Outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic in late 2019 provided another opportunity for these groups to increase their activities and influence in Nigeria. So, the paper adopted qualitative method to examine the link between the social media and activities of
Boko Haram, Bandits and Kidnappers as well as how increasing use of social media to spread their activities and exploits will impact on the future of the country. |
| Keywords: |
Interrogating, Nexus, Social Media, Boko Haram, Bandits, Kidnappers, Post Covid19
|
|
