Author(s) :

Zakariyya MUHAMMAD ZAKARI.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The persistent insurgency in Borno State, Nigeria, has necessitated extensive military operations, notably Operation Lafiya Dole (2015–2023), aimed at restoring security and countering Boko Haram activities. However, these operations have been frequently associated with allegations of human rights violations, raising concerns about the balance between security imperatives and civilian protection. This study investigates the relationship between military operations and human rights practices in Borno State, with the objective of assessing the extent, patterns, and underlying causes of violations during Operation Lafiya Dole. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study relies on secondary sources, content analysis, and primary data collected through structured questionnaires (n=300), three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and twenty Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) involving military personnel, civil society actors, and community leaders. Findings indicate a significant correlation between military operations and human rights violations, with 62% of respondents affirming that security operations often resulted in arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and breaches of civilian rights. Qualitative insights reveal that operational pressures, intelligence gaps, and inadequate accountability mechanisms contribute to systemic human rights concerns, while secondary data from Amnesty International (2020) and the UN OHCHR (2022) corroborate these patterns. The study concludes that while Operation Lafiya Dole achieved tactical successes against insurgents, the human cost underscores the need for reforms in military training, oversight, and community engagement. Recommendations include strengthening human rights compliance, integrating ethical frameworks into counter-insurgency strategies, and fostering civil–military cooperation. This research contributes to knowledge by providing an empirically grounded analysis of the interplay between military operations and human rights, highlighting the necessity of aligning security initiatives with international humanitarian standards. Keywords: Military operations, human rights violations, Operation Lafiya Dole, counter-insurgency, Borno State, civil–military relations, Nigeria

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