The Nigerian Military in Domestic Counterinsurgency Operations: A Study in Range of Military Operations, 1960-2017
Abstract
The Nigerian military (NM) has actively intervened in domestic conflict spots across Nigeria between 1960 and 2017. The dynamic nature of domestic conflict in Nigeria, manifesting as insurgency, terrorism, riots, militancy, criminality, banditry, among others, has attracted a range of military operations (ROMO) from the NM. In the various deployments of the NM for counterinsurgency roles, ROMO has been determined by the intensity of violence. The effectiveness of the NM in ROMO has determined the duration and intensity of each domestic counterinsurgency in Nigeria. The study identified the basic challenge that faced the NM in domestic COIN was they were tasked to perform duties they are not properly trained and prepared for. The constraints faced by the NM in ROMO resulted from the need to change from conventional military roles to unconventional ones a change that required a minimum use of force and policing/law enforcement duties. The study also identified the "constabularization" of the NM and the militarization of the civil polity as major outcomes of ROMO. The study submits that for the NM, ROMO appears demanding in terms of military professionalism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1084342
Entities
People
- Aliyu Hassan
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College