By the time 2025 rolls by, the situation in Nigeria in terms of counterterrorism is changing considerably. There is a growing transition by the government in responding merely militarily to a more comprehensive multi-sector approach, which targets the causes underlying violent extremism. The shift indicates an understanding that counter terrorism could only be effective when security is accompanied by development, justice and reconciliation.
The intricacy that is involved with the security crisis in Nigeria has resulted in the development of an opinion that the kinetic operations struggle will not bring about long lasting peace. The nation is already trying new and more compounded solutions which involve hard security mixed with the aim of socioeconomic healing of the nation.
From kinetic operations to integrated solutions
One of the parameters of this changing paradigm can be seen in how Nigeria continues to invest greatly into resilience, youth empowerment and transitional justice programs within conflict affected regions. These programs are meant to offer economic options as well as re-integrate former fighters back into society, addressing the socio economic causes of extremism.
These initiatives are indicative of a higher awareness of the fact that instability flourishes in the areas where poverty, inequality, and neglect are the most problematic. Military action on the frontlines is accompanied by development-based policies.
Agricultural reform as a peacebuilding tool
To help eliminate insurgent recruitment triggered by food insecurity, the policymakers in Nigeria have focused on agricultural transformation, which would stabilize the rural areas. The government has introduced programs to restore farmlines, to advance irrigation and sustain smallholder farmers in collaboration with international donors and local stakeholders.
It is not only the agricultural wealth that is in the economic agendas but it is also a strategic preference. Restoring rural livelihoods helps dissuade extremism, which also reestablishes confidence between the marginalized communities and the state.
Reclaiming farmland and restoring livelihoods
Such initiatives have assisted to retrieve thousands of hectares of agricultural land that was lost due to war. In Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, there are positive developments in the increased food production in the regions leading to stronger local resilience and social stability.
Easing of access to inputs, markets and extension services has once again allowed returning farmers to find productive lives, pinning them down to peaceful routines and overwhelming the cycle of dependency.
Reintegration and transitional justice
While military campaigns have degraded insurgent capabilities, many fighters have surrendered or been captured. Addressing their return to society is central to Nigeria’s long-term security. The nation has established a countrywide demobilization and reintegration program paying attention to rehabilitation, schooling, and psychosocial help.
Initiatives like Operation Safe Corridor have taken centre stage under this strategy, as a means of finding an exit out of the violence and into society. Nonetheless, they are doubted by the affected communities and victims groups.
Balancing accountability and reconciliation
Law enforcers are confronted with the dilemma of weighing the needs to see justice among the victims and chances of reconciliation. With the aim of making the reintegration programs inclusive and credible, civil society groups have continuously advocated transparency and involving the community in the processes of reintegration programs.
Accountability of truth-telling, restoration and scrutiny to the society is increasingly viewed to be a key in the establishment of legitimacy and prevention of reintegration to run counter to the healing of a society.
Regional cooperation and capacity building
The other approach of Nigeria is to enhance cooperation with Lake Chad Basin neighbors. The collective security has been enhanced by joint military activities, exchanges in intelligence and cross border development projects.
Terrorism in West Africa is transnational in nature, and Nigeria’s ability to contain it depends heavily on regional synchronization, both militarily and diplomatically.
Enhancing institutional coordination
There is also an attempt at enhancing coordination between Nigerian security institutions, judicial institutions and humanitarian institutions. Nevertheless, there remains a problem of efficiency caused by resource limitations, bureaucracy, and duplication of mandates.
The essential means to ensure that multi-sectoral strategies are more effective and accountable are streamlining the operation, duplication reduction, and harmonization of the inter-agency priorities.
Funding, accountability, and future outlook
The multi-sectoral counter terrorism strategy of Nigeria needs continued international support with the concurrence within the country. However, although initial outcomes are positive, the issue of institutional capacity and transparency has proved tenacious.
Unless effective monitoring and evaluation systems are established, donor fatigue, political changeover and economic uncertainty may jeopardize the long run sustainability of these programs.
Towards a sustainable peace
In order to sustain the current progress, Nigeria needs to uphold accountability, guarantee civil liberties, and place the emphasis on inclusive governance. Not only the state of non-violence will be necessary to achieve a resilient peace, but also of justice, opportunity and trust.
Only by investing in both human security and democratic values can Nigeria hope to turn its current gains into a durable peace that addresses the needs of all its citizens.
