Twenty years of terror: How Boko Haram exploited the Bystander effect to build its resilience

Since transitioning to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has faced a persistent security crisis. Central to this instability is the longevity of terrorist organisations, particularly Boko Haram and its splinter factions. This study examines the group’s two-decade resilience by exploring how Muslim bystanders’ passivity in northern Nigeria facilitates its operations. Utilising a mixed-methods approach – integrating quantitative data with qualitative case studies – this research contributes to the debate over the bystander effect. It argues that Boko Haram’s strategic use of selective violence against non-Muslims, coupled with the normalisation of violence and the psychological devaluation of victims, fosters community silence or complicity. The findings emphasise the need for security sector reform and targeted initiatives to diminish the appeal of extremist violence in northern Nigeria.