Published Paper Details:

Following the unexplained death of its leader while in police detention, the violently ideological Islamic extremist group Boko Haram took up arms in the northeastern Nigerian states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa in 2009. Widespread deaths, property destruction, and civilian displacement have marked the 15-year battle. Kidnappings, armed herdsmen, Niger Delta militants, renegade bandits, and armed separatists all commit acts of terror that exacerbate this. The insurgency and other violent acts have not been put an end to by the Nigerian military or its affiliated militia, the Civilian Joint Task Force. Due to the ineffectiveness of the security agencies, rebels, and terrorists killed roughly 5,801 Nigerians in the first seven months of 2024 and kidnapped 4,348 more across the country. As is the case in other nations, this has led to calls for the involvement of private military contractors to assist put a stop to the violence. The military has rejected the notion of foreign contractors getting involved, insisting that the armed forces can complete the task if provided with the necessary equipment. The lengthy cycle of violence, the ineffectiveness of Nigerian security personnel, and the controversy surrounding the use of foreign contractors are all examined in this essay. The study uncovers a weakness in the state security agencies brought on by dishonesty and a lack of responsibility. It advises Nigeria to accept foreign aid to improve the military's capabilities, particularly concerning the application of advanced machinery and technology. It is also suggested that the administration negotiate with the main players to end the violence.