Information Technology as an Indispensable Security Tool: Nigeria’s Boko Haram Sect in Focus.

Abstract

Today the world is contending with the sad phenomenon of global terrorism. What is more frightening is the sophistication of the modus operandi of terrorist groups who cash in on the benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to cause mayhem to unsuspecting members of the public. This qualitative paper titled, “Information Technology as an Indispensable Security Tool: Nigeria’s Boko Haram Sect in Focus” used the Digitalizing Crime Prevention Theories as theoretical frameworks to ascertain the use of ICT as a security tool for quelling the threatening activities of Boko Haram. The study discovered that the sect uses the dynamics of ICT such as posting amateur videos on social media platforms to intimidate the citizenry and threaten the peace of the nation. It recommended establishment and enforcement of cyber-laws and proscription of online hate speeches as possible panacea to the fight against terror. The paper concluded that since terrorist groups often form an alliance with other terrorist organizations around the world as an operational strategy, the United Nations, various governments, Non-Governmental Organizations, security agencies and spirited individuals must embrace online vigilance and also form a global synergy to nip the menace of global insecurity in the bud. In the estimation of the authors, the rudiments of ICT remain an indispensable security tool for bringing Nigeria’s number one terrorist organization down to its knees.