The main objective of the study is to examine how the post-colonial character of the Nigerian
state engendered the emergence and strategies of IPOB and Boko Haram in the state. The study
is anchored on the postcolonial state theory. Qualitative (documentary) method was employed
for data collection, while qualitative-descriptive method of analysis was adopted. The paper
contends that both Boko Haram and IPOB are manifestations of the dissatisfactions arising from
the inadequacies of the Westphalian state system imposed on the kingdoms, empires and
principalities which hitherto existed in the area today known as Nigeria. Both Boko Haram and
IPOB extensively adopted anti-state propaganda targeted at disparaging the postcolonial
Nigerian state. Hence, while Boko Haram’s propaganda launch onslaught against the colonial
education system, the IPOB proselytize secession as a panacea to lopsided federal structure
tilting in favour of the North and responsible for economic and political ‘marginalization’ of the
Igbo ethnic group. The central thesis of this study is that contradictions like insurgency and
separatist movements are recurring features of postcolonial African states such as Nigeria. The
study recommends inter alia that peace-building in Nigeria should address economic and
political marginalization which engenders dissatisfaction among the masses, while access to
education by youths should be enhanced.
