The use of women and children in suicide bombing by the Boko Haram terrorist Group in Nigeria

Abstract Terrorism has taken a new and frightening dimension in Nigeria. The manifestation is the incessant use of women and children in suicide bombing by the Boko Haram terrorist group. Examining this operational shift provided further impetus and insights into understanding the core of the problem. It brought to light the fact that Nigeria is a society where patriarchy holds sway and certain salient socio-political structures (culture, religion, economy and polity) of the society are unjust and unbalanced, thus placing women and children on the receiving end, while men are at advantage. This was elucidated in the predictions of radical feminist and political economy theories, which we combined to explain why and how this particular group is now widely exploited in suicide missions. The rationale behind their used is to beat security networks and carry out their operations with ease and huge success. Because women and children possess and demonstrate less suspicious behaviour and covert criminogenic tendencies, they stand to escape the scrutiny of security personnel. These natural characteristics confound security operatives and thereby prolonging the war on terrorism. However, many women and children who indulge in terror campaigns do that out of ignorance and usually under extreme indoctrination, brainwashing and manipulations. To remedy the situation, effective and trusted intra and inter-border surveillance/patrol and intergovernmental security partnership using state-of-the-art crime combating appurtenances, and acquisition of analytical skills in counterintelligence and counterterrorism, are highly recommended. Co-ordinated efforts are needed in the area of psychosocial rehabilitation and consequent reintegration, aftercare and follow-up of released or escaped abducted victims who were once forcefully used by this group in attacking their family and community for their reacceptance and to guard against stigmatisation and rejection. Our cultural and national values should be revisited and overhauled by the government and significant others in society for enduring public safety.