Addressing Factors for the Threat of Violent Extremism in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja—An Early Warning Perspective

Abstract

Violent conflicts in Nigeria have been rife for the better part of the country’s existence; especially the post-colonial period. The advent of the Boko Haram crises in the early part of 2000, saw not just a change in the dynamics, but also an exponential growth in the spate and occurrences of these conflicts. Th e most notable of th ese is extremism; violent extremism, which is fast taking over as the most formidable threat. The frequency of these occurrences is indicative of the overwhelming nature of the problem for states to address. Of particular concern is the risk of these activities of extremism to the Federal Capital Territory by virtue of its location and population dynamics. In light of these current security realities, it becomes imperative, for purposes of early warning, to interrogate the threat of violent extremism in the Federal Capital Territory and how the government can better respond to these challenges.