Radicalized in Luxury: Why Nigeria’s Elite Youth are Turning to Terror
ABUJA — Is poverty truly the breeding ground for terrorism, or is a far more dangerous force at play? Public affairs analyst Dr. Majeed Dahiru has sparked a national debate by reminding Nigerians that some of the world's most dangerous terrorists didn't come from the slums—they came from mansions.
During a recent interview on Channels TV, Dr. Dahiru pointed to the infamous case of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, known globally as the "Christmas Day Bomber." Despite his attempt to murder 289 people on a U.S.-bound flight, Abdulmutallab was far from a victim of social underdevelopment.
The Billionaire’s Son
"The Christmas Day bomber... is the son of a billionaire in Nigeria," Dr. Dahiru stated. "He was American-educated, but he wanted to carry out an act of terrorism based on an ideological leaning that has radicalized an entire generation."
The analyst argues that groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Lakurawa are not driven by hunger, but by a radicalized mindset that transcends class. He noted that the leadership and rank-and-file of these organizations often include:
Highly educated intellectuals
Well-to-do Nigerians from privileged backgrounds
Western recruits who left comfortable lives to join ISIS in Syria
Ideology Over Economy
Dr. Dahiru’s assertions challenge the long-held belief that fixing the economy will automatically end the insurgency. By labeling terrorism an "ideological problem" rather than a financial one, he suggests that Nigeria is fighting a war for the hearts and minds of its youth—including the elite.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Is it time we stop blaming poverty for the rise of insurgency in Nigeria? If wealth and education can't prevent radicalization, what will?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
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