International Terrorism and Its Implications for National Security in Nigeria

Since the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States, international terrorism has taken a new dimension, signaling a turning point in both tactical and strategic security responses to national and international terrorism. In Nigeria, Boko Haram has unleashed havoc in the north and the Niger Delta militant groups in the south have posed serious security challenges to Nigeria government. This paper examines the impact of international terrorism and the challenges to Nigeria's national security. It looks at the growth of cross-national terrorist groups with links to international terrorist organizations providing military training, funding, and political influence. The paper explores the following questions: What are the causes of international terrorism? What measures should be adopted to combat contemporary terrorism? What strategies should Nigeria adopt in response to the new form of terrorism? Information for the study way collected from primary and secondary sources through the use of the documentary research method. The literatures were critically analyzed using the descriptive approach leading to logical deductions. The study revealed that international terrorism poses a greater threat to national security and national development in Nigeria. It recommends Human Capital Development policies to boost national security; while dialogue and enlightenment should be pursued to mitigate terrorism implications.