WILBERFORCE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (WJSS)
ISSN: 2504 – 9232
Volume 11, No. 1, March, 2026
Pages 31-42
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/6202.11.0130
ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF BOKO-HARAM COUNTER-INSURGENCY ON WEST AFRICA SUBREGION: A STUDY OF NIGERIA
Abdullahi Alabi1, Agboola Abdulganiyu2 and Emmanuel O. Lambe3
Department of Politics and Governance, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
Abstract
Insurgency remains one of the most economically disruptive forces shaping security and development trajectories in fragile regions. In West Africa, the Boko Haram conflict has generated severe fiscal and socio-economic pressures, particularly for Nigeria, while producing spillover effects across neighbouring states. This study examines the economic implications of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and the broader regional consequences for the West African subregion. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the quantitative component employed regression analysis to assess the relationship between counter-insurgency expenditure and key economic indicators, while qualitative data captured regional perceptions and socio-economic disruptions. The findings reveal a significant rise in Nigeria’s defence spending, contributing to increased recurrent expenditure and heightened external borrowing pressures. Social sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, experienced notable crowding-out effects, reflected in declining capital investment and service delivery. At the regional level, counter-insurgency operations intensified cross-border displacement, disrupted trade corridors, weakened market integration, and raised security costs for Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. Survey evidence indicates widespread recognition that, although counter-insurgency efforts are essential for national security, they impose substantial economic strain on both Nigeria and its neighbours. The study underscores the need to align security responses with regional economic stabilization and development planning to sustain long-term resilience.
Keywords: Boko Haram, counter-insurgency, economic implications, fiscal burden, West Africa, security expenditure, regional integration