Counterterrorism Operations in Nigeria: Analysing Civil–Military Relations

This is a synoptic review of the historical and sociopolitical environment of Nigerian defence and shows how it has been characterised by bottlenecks and societal driven challenges, some of which have been institutional and others systemic. It also highlights factors that determine and promote sound civil–military relations, which are vital for conflict resolution, especially in counterinsurgency operations in the terror-stricken states of Northern Nigeria. While it reveals the important role of the military in the democratic process, it also examines some of the challenges faced by counterinsurgency operations in the country.