Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Peace and security are required for sustainable socio-economic development of any country; in some parts of Nigeria, these are disrupted by terrorist and insurgent activities, hence the Nigerian government’s long-drawn deployment of its military in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. The military is saddled with the task of combating armed groups, such as the Boko Haram insurgents in the north-eastern part of the country and Niger Delta militants, among many others engaged in criminal activities that threaten the security of lives and properties and sabotage economic activities. Most of the previous studies conducted on the nature and operations of the terrorist groups and insurgencies in Nigeria have focused on their atrocities and their disruptive impact on society. This study reviews the various aspects of the crisis with a view to highlighting how the protracted counterterrorism and counterinsurgency offensives have resulted in diversion of public funds and gulped up huge resources that could have been used for the socio-economic development of the country. Based on available data, the study concludes that although fighting terrorism and insurgency is a necessary duty, the corruptive and ineffective manner in which it has been done in Nigeria has further aggravated the plight of the people and impeded socio-economic development.