Religious-Based Violence and National Security in Nigeria

This study is on Religious-Based Violence and National Security in Nigeria: Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society with enormous potential for economic, social, and democratic development. However, intense conflicts and violence that manifested within it from its earliest time under colonial rule have made development and elude the country. Nigeria is usually characterized as a deeply divided state in which major political issues are vigorously contested along the lines of complex ethnic, religious, and regional divisions. The causes of these conflicts may not be unconnected with the way and manner religion is portrayed to its adherents and mistrust between the followers of the various religious and ethnic groups. The purpose of this study therefore is to examine the phenomenon of religious violence in Nigeria with special focus on some selected violence within Kaduna State and an attack launched against security agencies by a group referred to as Taliban, in Borno State, Nigeria. The study outlines the general background of religious violence in Nigeria, discusses its origin, and highlights the key concepts used in the thesis. The researcher considered the nature, and causes of religious violence in Nigeria, and highlights some of its impact on national security.