Since its terror campaign began, Boko Haram’s targets had been security formations and churches in several parts of the North. Now, they have also turned their radar on other institutions, the media and universities. From being an obscure movement confined to north-eastern Nigeria, the Boko Haram has emerged as the most palpable threat to the polity’s continued peace and development. Not only do the persistent attacks of the sect create widespread insecurity and fear, the prevalent dread of the militant sect has stifled normal processes of trade and investments as well as the performance of routine security functions. For example, in Kaduna State, the 33rd Kaduna International Trade Fair witnessed what is perhaps its worst outing. This is because booths and stands that supposed to be occupied by exhibitors lay empty as businesses decided to keep away for fear that they could be victims of the bombing that have continued to plague Nigerian cities. Ironically, the fair had been previously postponed, due to security concerns. This paper examines these issues and concludes by positing that for the terror to be won, the citizenry must see it as their fight. For this to happen, government has to demonstrate competence and sincerity of purpose.

Since its terror campaign began, Boko Haram’s targets had been security formations and churches in several parts of the North. Now, they have also turned their radar on other institutions, the media and universities. From being an obscure movement confined to north-eastern Nigeria, the Boko Haram...