Trends and patterns of Boko Haram terrorist and militants' aggression in Nigeria

This study explores the trends and pattern of Islamic Boko Haram and Niger Delta militancy in Nigeria. The core of the problem was articulate in order to grapple with the complexities of this social problem. The study employed ex post facto research design and generated its data using secondary sources-the data were descriptively analysed. Boko Haram and militant groups have taken up arms against the State [Nigeria] and its defencible and defenceless citizens, resulting from frustration and social discontentment. They have been involved in series of kidnappings, destructions and killings, as predicted by the basic assumptions of our theoretical framework, frustration-aggression theory, which is empirically evidenced in the findings of this study. While Boko Haram engaged the State and members of the public in fierce attacks in the Northern Nigeria, the militants have mounted a deadly combat against the Nigerian government and expatriates, including their infrastructure and basic amenities in the Southern part of the country. The study recommends a total overhauling of the present frustration-ridden social structure and political economy of Nigeria, as well as timely implementation of proactive youth empowerment programmes and forward-looking social, political and economic policies will assist greatly in ameliorating the problem.