APPRAISAL OF COUNTER TERRORISM MEASURES IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The study is on the appraisal of counter terrorism measures in Nigeria and their impact on protection of human rights. Apart from the challenges of poverty, unemployment, sectarian crisis, economic and political crisis, as well as the Niger Delta Militancy, Nigeria is currently facing a deeper and profound challenge of terrorism, especially at the North-East of the country. The list of these disheartening phenomena includes but not limited to kidnapping, bombing and sporadic attack by gun men at several churches, mosques, public places, police stations, schools and prisons at Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. Other parts of the country that were not spared are the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Plateau, Kaduna and Kano States. Government‟s attempt to adopt the strategy used in curtailing militancy in the Niger Delta failed in the present situation. This led to adoption of various measures and strategies of counter terrorism by the government which increased the incidents of human rights violations in the fight against terrorism. It is against this backdrop that the study examined ways of effectively combatting terrorism in Nigeria while still ensuring the protection of human rights. It examined the root causes of terrorism, the existing legal framework for combatting terrorism in Nigeria, Nigerian Government‟s efforts in combatting terrorism and how effective the measures have been, and the impact of these counter-terrorism measures on human rights in Nigeria. The method of research adopted in the course of the study to a large extent is the doctrinal research method basically because the aim of the research is to identify loopholes in the fight against terrorism as it pertains to human rights and proffer solution. Relevant and related literatures were also reviewed. Data was generated from primary data sources such as provisions of international, regional and national conventions, resolutions, declarations, laws and policies on human rights etc. Secondary data was sourced from library materials, newspapers, journals and articles, various other sources including the internet. The findings revealed that there is no well-developed theory as why some individuals or group engage in terrorism and others do not and that the causes of terrorism cannot be exhausted as it depends on a particular area. The result of the study also shows that the Nigerian government counter terrorism measures have been reactionary, militaristic in nature and inadequate to address the root causes of terrorism in Nigeria. The research further revealed that Government strategies failed because Government did not address socio-economic factors that created veritable ground for terrorism, such as unemployment, poverty, corruption and poor economy. The research concluded by recommending the thorough investigation and possibly prosecution of human rights violations by security agents, adoption of a strategy which will focus on deradicalization and the introduction of effective psychological reinforcement measures that would deter terrorists from engaging in the act. The research also recommends that Government should focus on good governance, job creation and employment opportunities, poverty alleviation, welfare and provision of modern equipment for the military and other security Agents, as well as effective border patrol