CIVILIAN PROTECTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS ETHICS IN NIGERIA’S FIGHT AGAINST BOKO HARAM
Keywords:
Just War Theory, Proportionality, Arbitrary Detention, Counterinsurgency, International Humanitarian LawAbstract
The Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has generated a prolonged security and humanitarian crisis characterised by civilian casualties, displacement, arbitrary detention, and destruction of livelihoods. This study examines human rights violations and civilian protection in counterinsurgency operations, focusing on the ethical implications of state and non-state conduct. It assesses the development of the insurgency, patterns of human rights violations, civilian protection under international humanitarian law, the application of proportionality and necessity, and accountability mechanisms. The study adopted a qualitative research approach based on documentary content analysis of relevant scholarly works, institutional reports, and legal documents, purposively selected for their relevance to Boko Haram, counterinsurgency, civilian protection, and ethical conduct. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the evidence through Just War Theory and relevant principles of international humanitarian and human-rights law. Findings reveal recurring civilian harm, arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention, large-scale displacement and humanitarian vulnerability, inconsistent application of proportionality and necessity, and weaknesses in accountability mechanisms. The study recommends stronger civilian-harm documentation, improved intelligence, enhanced legal oversight of detention, continuous training in international humanitarian law, and closer humanitarian-military coordination. It concludes that civilian protection is integral to the ethical legitimacy and sustainable effectiveness of counterinsurgency operations.
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