Trend and Pattern of Violent Crimes in Nigeria: An Analaysis of the Boko Haram Terrorist Outrage

This paper examines the trend and pattern of violent crimes in Nigeria with a focus on the terrorist activities of Boko Haram. The paper traces the trend and pattern of violent crimes back to the 1980's and the emergence of Boko Haram whose pattern of criminal violence have taken very dangerous dimension and intensity in Nigeria. The saying is now making rounds that the fear of Boko Haram is the beginning of safety in Nigeria. This paper examines the origin, ideology, operational methods and the factors which have sustained the sect and made their pattern of criminality very destructive. The paper further discusses the challenges impeding government efforts in suppressing terrorism and other violent crimes in Nigeria. The paper holds the view that terrorism and violent crimes will continue to persist with much intensified acts of violence on the citizenry as long as government show lack of weakness and political will to arrest the situation. The paper concludes with recommendations for combating violent and terrorist acts in the country: a strict enforcement of terrorism laws, proper policing of our borders, provision of technological equipment and training of personnel, harmonization of intelligence amongst security agents, among others.