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Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in Africa: The Nigerian

Experince

Njoku, Chinwendu Shedrack, Ikwuoma, Sunday Udochukwu, Olemeforo, Ernest Ifeanyichukwu, Olelewe, Eusebius

Chinedu

Department of Political Science, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ideato, Imo State Nigeria.

unpublished), etc., as well as the internet. Data gathered was sourced content and descriptive analysis. The study established that

several counter-terrorism measures have been put in place at both national and continental levels to reduce if not eradicate in

totality the spate of terrorism but these measures have not been able to achieve the desired results as terrorism has continued to

thrive. The failure of these measures anchors on government insensitivity and/or lack of political will to address issues of

unemployment, get rich quick syndrome, failed family values and other national questions like power sharing, uneven

development and prebendal politics, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as porous borders. The study

recommended that Africa must establish a Continental Terrorism Management Center (CTMC) at continental level, while

governments at all levels in Nigeria must as a matter of urgency address socio-economic deprivation and the severe wealth

inequality among its people that provides recruitment centers for these terrorist groups.

Keywords: Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism, Violence, Force

Significantly, the rise of terrorism in Africa is exacerbated by the interconnectedness of global communication networks and the

ease with which terrorist ideologies can spread across borders. The proliferation of extremist ideas, particularly through social

media platforms, has empowered terrorist groups to recruit followers and carry out deadly attacks. In Nigeria, the rapid growth of

groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) exemplifies the transnational nature of modern

terrorism. Additionally, local grievances and regional tensions, such as ethnic conflicts, poverty, and political instability, have

been exploited by these groups to gain support and expand their operations.

In fact, while terrorism was initially more prevalent in North Africa and parts of the Horn of Africa, the scope of terrorist

activities in sub-Saharan Africa has broadened significantly. Countries like Nigeria, Mali, Somalia, and Cameroon have

experienced devastating terrorist attacks that have disrupted their socio-political fabric. Despite efforts by the Nigerian

government and its allies to combat terrorism, the region continues to grapple with the devastating effects of terrorism on

reaching approximately 11,000 in 2024 (Financial Times, 2024).

From 2020 to 2024, Nigeria experienced a notable escalation in terrorist activities and violent incidents. According to a report by

Nextier, Nigeria recorded 5,291 violent incidents leading to 20,472 fatalities and injuries during this period (Guardian Nigeria,

2024). The Global Terrorism Index also reported a 34% increase in terrorism-related deaths in 2023, largely due to intensified

conflicts between the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram (Business Day Nigeria, 2024).

While projections for 2025 indicate a commitment to enhanced security measures, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has

emphasized proactive strategies to combat terrorism (Punch Nigeria, 2024). However, the emergence of new threats, including

the Lakurawa terror group and ongoing instability in the Southeast and North Central regions, underscores the need for

continuous vigilance and adaptive strategies (The Nation, 2024).

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

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Problem Statement

The social impact of terrorism in Nigeria is equally severe, as it has deepened ethnic and religious tensions, particularly in

conflict-prone areas. Many communities have been torn apart, with families losing loved ones and children being abducted or

forced into insurgency groups. The psychological trauma experienced by survivors and displaced persons has long-term

consequences, affecting their mental health and ability to rebuild their lives. Terrorism has also weakened trust between citizens

and the government, as many feel that authorities have failed to provide adequate security. This erosion of trust has fueled local

grievances and, in some cases, led to increased radicalization, perpetuating the cycle of violence. Addressing these challenges

requires a comprehensive approach that includes military action, socioeconomic development, and community-driven

reconciliation efforts.

Statistically, between 2020 and 2024, Nigeria faced significant challenges related to terrorism, resulting in substantial loss of life

and widespread displacement. A report by Nextier indicates that Nigeria experienced over 20,000 deaths due to violent incidents

2022 (DTM IOM, 2023). Also, Reports indicated that the number of IDPs had risen to 3.4 million, exacerbated by ongoing

violence and targeted attacks (New York Post, 2024).

While specific data for 2025 is not yet available, the Nigerian government has pledged to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and

address internal displacement (Punch Nigeria, 2024). However, the emergence of new threats and persistent instability suggest

that challenges related to fatalities and displacement may continue (The Nation, 2024).

Objectives of the Study:

This study is designed to evaluate and/or appraise counter terrorism strategies applied by the Nigerian government to determine

how effective these strategies have been in reducing if not eradicate totally the menace of terrorism in Nigeria.

Significance of the study

The significance of this study is multidimensional as it is crucial in understanding the underlying causes of terrorism, the

adaptation are necessary to develop holistic strategies that ensure sustainable peace and security in Nigeria and across Africa.

II. Literature Review

Defining Terrorism

Terrorism, as a concept, has been a subject of numerous debates and varying interpretations over time. This might be attributed to

what Ludwikowski (1987) referred to as the problem of “one man’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter.” While there is no

universally accepted definition of terrorism, it is generally understood as the use of violence or the threat of violence to achieve

political, ideological, or religious objectives. The term "terrorism" evokes fear, anxiety, and panic, as it targets civilians and non-

combatants to create widespread uncertainty and destabilization. Terrorists seek to create a state of terror and insecurity,

ultimately undermining the trust that citizens place in their governments, societal institutions, and communities.

Terrorism, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is the "unlawful use of force or violence against persons or

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destruction, assassination, or kidnapping." This definition underscores the broader social and political aims of terrorism, as well

as the extreme methods used to achieve them.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State (2004) defines terrorism as “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated

against non-combatant targets, usually intended to influence an audience." This definition emphasizes the deliberate nature of

terrorism and the primary aim to influence a broader public, government policy, or international relations through the spectacle of

violence. Also, the U.K. Home Office (2000) sees terrorism as "the use or threat of action to influence the government or to

intimidate the public in pursuit of political, religious, or ideological objectives." The Home Office definition highlights the role of

intimidation and the broader social objectives pursued through terrorizing civilians and governments alike.

In his view, Laqueur (1977) a renowned scholar in the study of terrorism, defines terrorism as "the use of violence and threats to

terrorism and links it to the need to achieve political or ideological goals, often challenging the political status quo.

systematically aimed at instilling fear in a target to alter its behavior." Wilkinson emphasizes the systematic nature of terrorism,

focusing on its objective of altering the behavior of governments or societies through the instillation of fear. This definition

highlights the strategic and methodical approach terrorists use to achieve their goals.

Herdman (1937) expands the definition by stating that terrorism involves "systematic violence by an organized group or party to

achieve its aims," with the distinction that even governments might engage in terrorism to achieve state objectives. This definition

acknowledges state-sponsored terrorism and the organizational structure behind terrorist actions. Schmid & Jongman (1988) in

their analysis, argue that terrorism involves four essential elements: "Premeditation – planned in advance, not impulsive; Political

motives – aimed at changing political orders rather than criminal pursuits; Civilian targets – focuses on non-military populations;

Non-state actors – typically carried out by sub-national groups." This definition provides a comprehensive framework for

Terrorism can be classified into different categories based on its objectives, methods, and the groups or individuals involved. One

common classification is by the objectives sought:

i. Revolutionary Terrorism: This seeks to overthrow or replace existing political regimes. Groups that engage in revolutionary

terrorism often do so because they believe the current system is oppressive and that violent action is the only means to enact

change. The goal is typically to replace the ruling government with a more favorable system, which may include a different

political, economic, or social order. Famous examples of revolutionary terrorism include the actions of groups like the Weather

Underground in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as more radical movements like the Red Brigades in Italy.

These groups often aim for systemic change through violent means, seeing their actions as necessary to dismantle entrenched

political structures.

ii. Nationalist Terrorism: This is motivated by the desire for independence or self-determination. It occurs when a group within

achieve political or social goals. Groups involved in religious terrorism often view their actions as divinely sanctioned or

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue II, February 2025

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radical Islamic groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Boko Haram. These groups interpret religious doctrines to justify violence against

non-believers or those they deem as enemies of their faith. Religious terrorism can also intersect with other forms of terrorism,

such as nationalist or revolutionary terrorism, where religious beliefs are used as a framework to pursue broader socio-political

goals.

strategies. It is not enough to simply target the groups responsible for attacks; governments and international organizations must

also address the root causes of terrorism, such as political oppression, social inequality, and ideological extremism, in order to

reduce the appeal of terrorism as a method of achieving political or religious objectives.

Moreover, as terrorism continues to evolve, it is important to recognize the ways in which new technologies and communication

platforms have amplified its reach and impact. In the 21st century, the internet and social media have become powerful tools for

terrorist organizations to spread their messages, recruit new members, and coordinate attacks.

This global interconnectedness occasioned by globalization propelled by ICT revolution has made it more difficult for traditional

security and intelligence agencies to prevent terrorist activities and to track the financing and movements of terrorist groups.

Consequently, counter-terrorism efforts must adapt to the digital age, emphasizing cybersecurity, international cooperation, and

On the whole, terrorism is a multi-faceted and complex issue that requires a nuanced approach to understand its various

motivations and methods. Its impacts extend beyond the immediate loss of life and destruction of infrastructure, affecting entire

societies in both direct and indirect ways. By understanding the different types of terrorism and their underlying causes,

Sub-revolutionary terrorism, on the other hand, pursues political goals that do not involve the complete overthrow of the

government but seek to influence policies or bring attention to specific issues. This type of terrorism is often carried out by

political, military, or ideological agendas. Historically, this type of terrorism was exemplified during World War I, Germany

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2017).

of education has been debunked in recent years, as terrorist organizations have recruited individuals from a variety of social and

economic backgrounds. Terrorists are often motivated by a sense of injustice or the belief that violence is the only means of

achieving their political or religious goals. For example, in Nigeria, Boko Haram's rise to prominence was partly fueled by a

sense of marginalization, frustration with government corruption, and a desire to establish an Islamic state. Similarly, groups like

ISWAP exploit socio-economic disparities and religious divisions to recruit individuals and gain support.

their ideologies, and recruit new members. This evolution in recruitment methods has made it more difficult for governments to

track and prevent radicalization. Terrorists often operate in cells or decentralized networks, making it challenging for authorities

to infiltrate or dismantle these groups. The rise of lone-wolf terrorism, where individuals carry out attacks independently, further

religious tensions, government repression, and violence, can also trigger terrorist activities. For instance, the rise of Boko Haram

in Nigeria was accelerated by the political repression faced by the group’s leader, Mohammed Yusuf, and the perceived neglect of

northern Nigeria by the central government.