Forced displacement as a jihadist tactic: The case of Boko Haram in Nigeria and Cameroon

This study examines the relationship between the transnational jihadist group Boko Haram and forced displacement in the context of Nigeria and Cameroon. Using a process tracing approach, it explores whether Boko Haram created displacement and whether the group has benefitted from such displacement, drawing inspiration from Greenhill’s, theory of coercive migration. Data were collected on Boko Haram attacks, recruitment, internal and external displacement, and historical economic productivity in Nigeria and Cameroon. Subsequent analysis identified a strong positive correlation between displacement and Boko Haram attacks, signifying that Boko Haram likely did create significant displacement. Further analysis of economic productivity in Borno state revealed that such displacement caused serious crop disruptions, contributing to Nigerian state fragility. Finally, in Cameroon, displacement was positively linked to increased recruitment for the jihadist group, based largely on economic incentives. The results suggest that displacement could serve as a deliberate strategy for jihadist groups to place pressure on target states and motivate civilian grievances. The study concludes with policy recommendations underlining the inextricable nature of displacement and jihadism and the need to address displacement in counter-terrorism initiatives.