Boko Haram has been widely recognized as one of the deadliest terrorist groups globally, responsible for the deaths of over 30,000 civilians and the displacement of millions in Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon. This study explores the genesis of Boko Haram within the context of Nigeria’s troubled national integration process. The abstract provides an overview of Nigeria’s history, from its colonial amalgamation in 1914 to its struggles with ethno-religious politics and failed integrative mechanisms. It examines how these factors have contributed to the rise of Boko Haram, particularly during the period between 2009 and 2015. The abstract underscores the significance of understanding the link between Nigeria’s history of political instability and the emergence of extremist groups like Boko Haram.