Cults in Nigeria: Unravelling the Distinct Security Challenges and Contrasts with the West

Abstract

CULTS IN NIGERIA: UNRAVELLING THE DISTINCT SECURITY CHALLENGES AND CONTRASTS WITH THE WEST - July 2023 [UoG] 2685776T | [DCU] 21109699 | [CU] 19955423 Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies Word Count: 23,881 Supervisor: Dr Eamonn Butler McIntosh Date of Submission: 26 July 2023 Abstract The macabre discovery of the Shakahola Forest massacre brought back the issue of religious extremism, sectarian drift and the complexity of regulating such groups. Cults still pertain to a grey zone in both the academic and legal realms; they are at the crossroads of freedoms and restrictions, exist in various structures and ideologies, and have diverse implications for stability and security. Cultism touches all levels of society and there is not one typical profile of a recruit. However, sectarian groups have the common characteristic of deeply affecting individuals. To this end, the analysis focuses on Nigeria where cults have been active within society for decades, and continue to grow their influence. Cultism in Nigeria reaches most spheres of the country, from politics to the economy including education. The implications for development and security in each of these aspects are multiple and interlinked, even mutually...