THE INFLUENCE OF ISLAMIC IDEOLOGIES ON TERRORISM AND TERRORISM FINANCING

Abstract

Despite extensive counter-terrorism and financial control measures, Nigeria continues to face violent Islamist insurgency. The persistence of terrorist groups including Boko Haram underscores a critical gap in national counter-terrorism strategy: the absence of coordinated, state-led faith-based de-radicalization programs. This study argues that the lack of institutionalized religious de-radicalization initiatives has contributed to the endurance of Islamist terrorism by enabling doctrinal reframing that legitimizes violence and sustains terrorism financing. Drawing on Social Movement Theory, the study employs a theorybuilding qualitative synthesis and iterative thematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature, official reports, investigative journalism, and primary doctrinal texts. (a) It examines how Boko Haram reinterprets zakat, sadaqah, hawala, taghūt, takfīr, and jihad to construct diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames, and (b) evaluates ideological gaps in Nigeria’s counterterrorism programs. Evidence reveal that doctrinal reframing underpins recruitment and fundraising through unregulated charitable and hawala networks, while existing state responses remain largely kinetic and theologically disengaged. The study recommends integrating well-resourced, state-led faith-based de-radicalization programs anchored in credible theological counter-narratives, clerical partnerships, and regulated charitable flows to complement security efforts, strengthen community trust, and achieve measurable prevention outcomes.