Boko Haram Activities and Membership Drive among Rural Farmers in Mubi North and South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the war against insurgencies in Nigeria, Boko Haram activities are on high record, membership expanding and total land coverage on suicide bombing increasing. Also, parents in the North east of Nigeria have started donating their female children for suicide bombing. Thus, this research explored the membership drill tactics adopted by Boko Haram and reason why parents willingly donate female children for suicide bombing. The study was guided by both Broken Windows and Strain theories. Snowballing was also used to select sample size of nine (9) for qualitative data. Data generated were analysed via open content analysis which took cognisance of the respondents' gesture. Results revealed that Boko Haram attracts compulsory members via presentation of loans to farmers. The victims (farmers) willingly donate their children for suicide bombing on automatic membership and on the threat of killing the entire family members. Thus, the study recommends that any micro-finance that would loan money to people must be registered under a recognized bank and payment should only be done through the affiliated bank to reduce vulnerability. Military surveillance should include anonymous patrol to give victims the courage to speak out on whatever demand placed on them by any dangerous group.