Counter-terrorism in Nigeria has become one of the most intricate and long- lasting in the world. The deadly attacks by insurgents like Boko Haram and ISWAP are still taking place, particularly in the northeast where more than 35 000 people have been killed and over 2.7 million displaced since 2009. Repeated military actions, aerial bombardments, and declaration of a state of emergency are of no avail in preventing extremist violence.
This has been a constant since there was an underlying problem which is that the approach taken by Nigeria has largely been coated on military force and focuses less on the socioeconomic and governance systems that would lead to extremism. The cause of radical ideologies is presented by deprivation in terms of poverty, lack of employment, political marginalization, corruption, and institutional weakness. During the same time, cases of human rights violations committed by security forces such as extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests have weakened the relationship between law enforcers and communities undermining intelligence gathering and facilitating operations even more.
Urgency For A Holistic Reassessment
It realized the strategic gaps and convened a high level forum on July 22, 2025 organized by Good Governance Africa-Nigeria (GGA-Nigeria) in Abuja. Policymakers and experts emphasized the necessity to develop a new national structure, one in which counter-terrorism is incorporated with the overall funding of peace, development, and civil rights.
A new National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) was rolled out by Major General Adamu Garba Laka, head of Nigeria National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). The three pillars in the 2025 structure include inter-agency collaboration, community-centric security solutions and a structural transformation where the focus is on the causes of extremism.
Community Engagement And De-Radicalization As Pillars
Grassroots Participation For Sustainable Security
Another important change in the approach to Nigeria is that there is a stronger focus on community involvement. Traditionally, response planning and implementation has involved no local population. It seems that the experts now claim that the true change will only occur when community leaders, youth groups, women organizations, and the civil society become the major actors in fighting against the radical discourse.
The involvement leads to trust and a better intelligence-gathering process, particularly in susceptible societies where extremist recruiters flourish. Efforts to combine education, livelihood assistance and cultural rehabilitation offer promise even though they are as of now limited in scope. The growth will hinge on political goodwill and makeable funds.
Gendered approaches can also feature here, as it is known that women are victims, and the ones who could be engaged as peace agents. Their response to the conflict prevention and reconciliation program has potential in pilot projects in Borno and Adamawa states.
De-Radicalization And Reintegration Efforts
Together with the aspect of community engagement, there is the de-radicalization process of surrendered militants. The programs are a combination of psychological counseling, vocation and transitional programs. Structured rehabilitation enlarges probability of long term integration, in spite of the risk of recidivism.
There are difficulties as to lack of infrastructure, shortages of staff and the society not accepting the ex-combatants. It is contributing to the scaling of reintegration pilots in Maiduguri and Yola through international partnerships, and especially those with the UNDP and African Union. However, broader usage is still not even.
Adapting To Evolving Threats With Technology And Intelligence
Harnessing Advanced Technologies
The extremist networks have been greatly enhanced to use drones, encrypted messages and social media propaganda. It is time that the security architecture of Nigeria changes to counter these tools with equally sophisticated counter measures.
The 2025 NACTEST suggests digital surveillance, data analysis with the help of AI, and regional digital intelligence centers. Rights activists warn, though, against excesses and insist that they should be ensured by a legal framework.
This year, workshops in Lagos and Niamey were devoted to the theme of cyber-enabled radicalization, and the stakeholders of West Africa decided to harmonize the legal frameworks of digital threats.
Intelligence Sharing And Regional Cooperation
The porous nature of the borders of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon offers easy routes of arm trafficking and circulation of terror. In turn, mechanisms that are especially regional such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and ECOWAS Standby Force are not only essential.
The new offshoot groups that have been threatening with a recent activity include Lakurawa indicating that Nigeria should not be acting alone. The coordination with African intelligence-exchange forums and negotiations with the cross-border actors will be the characteristic of future success.
Governance, Rule Of Law, And Human Rights
The Critical Role Of Justice And Accountability
Trust in public institutions is a non-negotiable element of any durable security framework. Nigeria’s counter-terrorism legacy is marred by corruption scandals and judicial impunity. Reforms to ensure due process, transparent trials, and oversight of military courts are ongoing but must accelerate.
The 2025 NACTEST includes provisions for strengthening civilian oversight, aligning counter-terror tactics with constitutional rights, and reactivating dormant anti-corruption commissions. These align with recommendations by the UNODC and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Balancing Security And Civil Liberties
Over-militarization has backfired in many regions, especially where heavy-handed operations alienate local populations. Moving forward, state actors must balance firmness with fairness—applying rules of engagement that respect civilian rights.
Public communication strategies, early-warning systems, and digital literacy initiatives are all being proposed to bridge the security-citizen gap. Transparent policy can limit misinformation and decrease extremist manipulation of grievances.
Economic And Social Development As Foundations For Peace
Addressing Poverty And Marginalization
Socioeconomic deprivation fuels radicalization. Youth who lack access to education, jobs, and healthcare are particularly susceptible to extremist recruitment. Government-led economic recovery programs in Yobe and Zamfara have shown modest success in rebuilding livelihoods.
Long-term strategies must invest in local infrastructure, vocational hubs, and microfinance programs, particularly in historically neglected areas. The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has proposed a 10-year rural development fund aligned with NACTEST security goals.
Enhancing Political Inclusion And Good Governance
Political marginalization plays directly into extremist propaganda. Violent groups often position themselves as alternatives to corrupt or unresponsive governments. Therefore, improving local governance structures—through decentralization, participatory budgeting, and inclusive electoral reform—is key.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society coalitions have initiated consultations in high-risk zones to expand political access and improve electoral security ahead of 2026 state elections.
Strategic Communication And Public Trust
Managing Narratives And Countering Propaganda
Winning the narrative war is as important as winning physical battles. Terrorist groups use disinformation campaigns to recruit and radicalize. Nigeria’s counter-terror messaging remains fragmented and reactive.
To counter this, the Ministry of Information in collaboration with NCTC has launched the “Voices of Peace” initiative—a platform that amplifies testimonies from survivors, former fighters, and religious leaders. Such campaigns are designed to challenge extremist ideologies and offer credible alternatives.
Nigerian security analyst Aona Nuga summarized this broader vision by stating,
“Effective counter-terrorism in Nigeria in 2025 must transcend coercive measures, embracing community empowerment, technology adaptation, and governance reforms to build durable peace.”
Shaping The Future: Moving Beyond Coercion
The state of counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria in 2025 is on an axis of strategy. Though military capacity is still necessary, it can no longer be used as the only instrument. The threats are not only changing, but as diverse as the cyber-savvy extremist organizations to the socio-political discontent of certain quarters require an equally multifarious and dynamic response.
Security, development, justice and governance are not mutually exclusive paths which exist side by side; they are pillars which cross over. The extent to which Nigeria will become successful derives on whether it is able to synergise these measures to derail extremism whilst enhancing resilience in society. With the changing regional and global environment, the strength of planning will be based on transparency, inclusion and accountability to ensure that Nigeria has ultimately decided to abandon bullets.
