Beyond the Battlefield: An Examination of the Nigerian Military’s Balancing Act in Internal Security Operations

Abstract

This study examines the Nigerian military’s role in internal security operations, analysing the tension between achieving military objectives and adhering to international legal obligations. It addresses the central conflict of this balancing act: reconciling operational demands with compliance to international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights norms. The study assesses how these legal frameworks constrain the Nigerian military’s internal security operations and influence their adherence to principles of restraint. While these norms are crucial, this study argues that internal security operations, especially those involving civilians, create significant compliance challenges that sometimes lead to failure. Drawing on a descriptive historical-legal analysis, this qualitative study utilises secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and credible media sources. Findings reveal that established legal guidelines often struggle to keep pace with the complexities of internal conflicts, affecting military effectiveness and civil-military relations. Future research should explore adaptive strategies for legal approaches to better address the realities of complex internal security situations.