Analyzing The Impact Of Counterterrorism Operation Against Boko Haram In Nigeria

Abstract

Boko Haram is a jihadist terrorist group based in northeast Nigeria, whose aim is to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria. This group has perpetrated violent attacks on the civilians and security agencies in northern Nigeria, creating massive human rights abuses. The security agencies responded with counterterrorism initiatives. However, these actions have created more human rights abuses. This study aims to explain why the Nigerian counterterrorism measures, originally aimed at curbing violence and abuses, have instead inflicted more human rights abuses. The study adopts the human security paradigm as its theoretical framework. The study uses a qualitative research design as its methodology. Data for the study were collected from primary and secondary sources. In-depth interviews from 29 purposively selected informants were used for the collection of primary data. The content analysis method was used to investigate the interview data, which was organized into themes corresponding to the research questions. The study reveals that both Boko Haram activities and the Nigerian military's counterterrorism measures have contributed to extreme human rights violations attributable to the internal dynamics of Nigeria. The study finds that unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and domestic political situation have created militancy in society. The violations of the 'right to life 'and education are the most abused human rights.