Enemy within the State: The Pathology of Boko Haram Insurgency, Military Corruption, and Fallacy of Arms Procurement in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This article analyses the nexus between Boko Haram insurgency and military corruption under the political regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015). The article considered general theories that inform the nature of political system that provides opportunity for patronage politics with its implication on national security. The article further investigates the clandestine temperament of military expenditure and the role of political office holders and senior army personnel in defense corruption. There are two main findings. First, the major subterfuge employed for diversion of arms procurement funds was channeled through alliance formation between the political elites, the serving and retired top military officers. Second, the persistent Boko Haram revolt has been a concealed boulevard for diversion of state resources into private coffers; therefore, ensuing the reign of terror to be more tougher, lengthened and unconquerable due to secretive benefits associated with defense expenditure enjoyed by political and military cabals in Nigeria.

KEYWORDS:

• Boko Haram
• insurgency
• arms procurement
• military corruption
• kinship
• patronage
• big man rule