TRANSITIONING FROM BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY: THE IMPERATIVE NEED FOR TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Recently, while Nigeria appears to be winning the battle against the Boko Haram insurgency, it is experiencing a new dimension of armed banditry. Thus, it is arguable whether Nigeria is actually transiting from a conflict situation. Notwithstanding such debate, while Nigeria is still embattled with the internal challenges to security across the nation, it is also left to grapple with the aftermath of the Boko Haram insurgency, especially in areas that have been directly affected by the conflict. Previous studies have focused on various dimensions of the conflict from different perspectives however, not so much has been said on the implementing transitional justice mechanisms that may be applicable in the Nigerian context. Transitional justice incorporates measures which aim at addressing the massive violations of human rights and redressing victims’ harm after a repressive past/conflict situation. Although there have been purported attempts tagged as transitional justice, it is doubtful whether such measures equate to transitional justice. Given the impact of the conflict on the physical, social, economic and political landscape, especially in north-eastern Nigeria, it is imperative to interrogate questions about transitional justice in Nigeria. This study examines Nigeria’s need for transitional post-boko haram insurgency and the purported attempt at transitional justice. The study adopts a doctrinal approach in examining the concept of transitional justice and the need to implement transitional justice measures following the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.