EXAMINING THE NEXUS BETWEEN TERRORISM AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA: 2009-2024

Abstract

This study examined the nexus between terrorism and national security in Nigeria from 2009 to 2024, a period marked by the rise of Boko Haram and ISWAP and the transformation of Nigeria’s security architecture. It aimed to identify the drivers of terrorism, assess its impact on national security, and evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism measures. The study utilized secondary data while securitization theory provided the analytical framework which posits that issues become security threats through political framing and audience acceptance, legitimizing extraordinary responses. Analysis of the literature indicated that terrorism in Nigeria is driven by intertwined socio-economic, political, and ideological factors such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, bad governance, and religious extremism, compounded by porous borders and regional instability. Its impact has been devastating causing internal displacement, economic disruption, loss of public trust, and the militarization of security policy. Nigeria’s counter-terrorism response has achieved partial success, notably in reclaiming territories and strengthening regional collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force. However, progress remains limited by corruption, poor intelligence coordination, human rights violations, and neglect of radicalization drivers. The study concluded that securitization mobilized action but reinforced a militarized approach. It recommended a holistic strategy integrating military operations with poverty alleviation, governance reforms, education, and community engagement.