Political Violence and Internal Displacement in Borno State, Nigeria: Historical Context, Socio-Economic Impacts, and Government Interventions

Nigeria is not only a vast country but also a populous country with over 200 million people. It is not an overstatement that associated disasters and other disorderly occurrences often result in the displacement of millions of people. Hence, internal displacements are ushered in at different locations in the country. Political violence in Borno State, Nigeria, has significantly contributed to widespread internal displacement, disrupting livelihoods and exacerbating socio-economic challenges. Employing qualitative methodology and secondary sources, this paper identified a nexus between political violence and internal displacement in Borno State with insurgency, particularly the Boko Haram crisis, leading to the displacement of millions. Drawing on historical and contemporary perspectives, the study highlights the severe socio-economic impact of such violence, including the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and the forced migration of millions into displacement camps or host communities, as well as efforts carried out by the government to mitigate the situation. The findings highlight severe impacts such as loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and forced migration into camps or host communities. Government interventions, both military and socio-economic, are critically assessed, revealing mixed outcomes due to corruption, inadequate resources, and inconsistent policies. In order to find a sustainable solution, the paper recommends effective governance, collaborative security measures and vast socio-economic programs.