Examining Counterinsurgency (Coin) and Counterterrorism Mechanisms in Nigeria (2010-2022)

Abstract

This paper examines counterinsurgency (COIN) and counterterrorism mechanism-legal, legislative, administrative, and coercive strategies that have been initiated and implemented in combating violence, insurgency, and terrorism in Nigeria (2010-2022). This is with a view to highlighting the various approaches initiated and put in place to tackle the insecurity challenges that has pervaded the country arising largely from the activities of Boko Haram and other armed groups in the country. The paper relies on primary data sourced from the field work conducted in 2017 as part of PhD study and utilizesdata from the secondary sources and adopted content analysis of relevant literature. The discourse of this paper isimportant in that the issues of insecurity in Nigeria in the last decade have been worrisome considering the negative tales it portends for the country and its people. It is importantly to review the various efforts of the government at finding solution to the insecurity crises with a view to finding out their effectiveness or otherwise. The paper argues that though Nigerian government has put up various mechanisms a lot still has to be done to addressing the root causes ofinsurgency and terrorism in Nigeria. Also, issues of corruption, illicit arms, inter-agency rivalry, unprofessional attitudes of unpatriotic members of the country’s military who report said sells arms to the insurgents, issue of the porous border and issues relating to lack of funding of militaryagencies,among other are still fundamental issues militating against the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts.