Muhammad, Abdulrasheed AladaLamidi, Kamal Olaniyi2024-05-092024-05-092022-12Muhammad, A. A. & Lamidi, K.O. (2022).’Governance, Protracted Violence of Boko Haram and National Security in Nigeria’ Studies in Politics and Society Vol 10 (1): 98 - 115 Published by Nigerian Political Science Associationhttps://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/13983This paper examined the pervasive violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram in Nigeria as a direct response to inadequacies in governance. Literature suggests that Boko Haram has continued to grow and render security situation in the country more worrisome. Records showed that Nigeria has been the scene of several humanitarian crises due to violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram group in the north eastern part of the country as they use mostly virulent instruments to achieve their objectives. Also, despite various counterinsurgency initiatives by the government, which in most cases are combatant, to curb their violent activities, the violence has continue till date thereby raising critical questions about the effectiveness of government’s counterinsurgency initiatives. By examining and analysing documents and evidences on the Boko Haram saga, this paper argued that perpetration of violence by Boko Haram is informed by frustrations arising from inadequacies in Nigeria’s governance. It is suggested that a reform of domestic governance will on one hand, go a long way in curbing the insurgent activities and on another hand, ameliorate its worst effect on Nigeria’s national security and its image in the international system.enViolenceGovernanceSecurityBoko HaramCounterinsurgencyArticle