BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE RIGHTS OF THE FEMALE GENDER IN NIGERIA

The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria and counter-insurgency measures adopted by the Nigerian Government has caused humanitarian crises and wanton destruction, thereby having adverse impact on the Nigerian nation and its citizenry especially the female gender. The situation has aggravated and degenerated into internal displacement, loss of livelihood and criminal acts such as abduction, murder and rape. This paper examines the various human rights violations perpetrated on the female gender as a result of the insurgency and counter-insurgency operations, it highlights the various women and girls’ rights instruments and in conclusion, posits that gender equality, economic empowerment for female folks, partnership with foreign superpowers and adopting an effective intelligence network are possible means of putting a stop to the insurgency and reducing its effect on the female gender in the Country.