Clash of Civilizations: An Assessment of the Early Origin of Boko Haram

Tijjani Talba Kafa | Abdulwahab Habib

Abstract: This study seeks to assess the early origin of Boko Haram in a bid to address numerous ambiguities surrounding the early emergence of the sect. Using Samuel Huntingtons theory of clash of civilizations that stirred the world along cultural line i. e. the West vis--vis the Muslim world, this research argued that the rise of Boko Haram as an Islamic movement in Nigeria, which operates within the tenets of Salafist doctrine, is solemnly aimed in part to counter the grips of Western cultural domination. Hence, this has led to clash of civilization and a precursor for salafi-jihadism. Nonetheless, there exists little to clearly explain the vivid causes of the Boko Haram Movement. Meanwhile, Foundation Leaders such as Muhammad Ali, a Saudi educated, paid a supreme price as he was killed in early confrontation with the Nigerian security forces. Subsequently, Mohammed Yusuf, widely seen as the spiritual leader took over the mantle of leadership with no experience in the battlefield. This study builds on content analysis through the collection, verification and synthesizing of recorded evidence. In conclusion, the study recommends that the Nigerian Government must place high premium on grassroots education especially in Northern Nigerian and embark on aggressive youth employment.

Keywords: Boko Haram, Clash of Civilization, Salafi-jihadism, Early Origin

Edition: Volume 7 Issue 10, October 2018,

Pages: 1470 - 1475