Author(s) :

IBUKUN-OLUWA Ochogwu, OLORUNMOWAJU Ayodele Obatomi.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism measure against terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) predominantly in the Northern region has not been able to achieve sustainable peace and security in the affected region. This study examines the current strategies employed by the Nigerian government, such as the kinetic approach which include military operations, such as the "Operation Lafiya Dole, and the Operation HADIN KAI" which have reclaimed territories but have not completely neutralized terrorist activities. It further examines the effectiveness of other soft approaches like the deradicalization programs, socio-economic interventions, and international collaborations. The study adopts Frustration-Aggression Theory as its framework and supports it with Routine Activity Theory. The paper uses the qualitative method by sourcing secondary data from journals, and government white papers for the literature review. Findings from the study reveals that kinetic approach has been counter-productive and other approaches like the Deradicalization programs of "Operation Safe Corridor", the socio-economic approach incorporated through the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), and international collaborations, including the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as well. Thus, the paper concludes that Nigeria should adopts more realistic approaches like strengthening intelligence and technological surveillance, community-based counter-terrorism and empowerment, military reform and coordination, as well as regional and international collaboration addressing the socio-economic and security drivers of terrorism. Key words: Terrorism, Counter Terrorism, Realistic Strategies, Result-Oriented Counter Terrorism

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