HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS AND THE NORTHEAST PHENOMENON

Abstract

This study explores humanitarian interventions in the northeastern part of Nigeria where the country is challenged by the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents for over thirteen years of heinous attacks on the Nigerian State and the people. With incessant attacks on communities and thousands fleeing their homes to displaced persons’ camps, the majority of them would have to survive mostly on humanitarian aid and relief materials. The article argues that in the face of pervasive terrorism in the northeast region, the federal government cannot single-handedly carry the weight of humanitarian emergencies. This paper stem from the complexity of the Nigerian problems ranging from insurgencies, internal displacement, human insecurity and humanitarian crisis threatening the existence of Nigeria as a single corporate entity. The crux is that responding to humanitarian emergencies as counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts is largely dependent on local and foreign interventions especially as it concerns meeting the basic needs of the displaced populace. Thus, this work employed a qualitative research design to examine the challenges that befall Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and how such issues could be resolved to alleviate the suffering of displaced persons and prevent dire humanitarian crises across the region. The study, therefore, recommends the involvement of humanitarian agencies to assist the government mobilise resources for those directly affected by the Boko Haram menace.