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Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria: Issues and 
Challenges.
Article ■ January 2014
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Contents
Career Choices of Nigerian Youths Entering Public-Funded University 
NyitorA . Shenge
Managing Fault Lines in Nigeria's Protracted Conflicts: The Inevitability 
of Multi-Track Diplomacy in the Jos Crises 
Animas awun Gbemisola
Public Service Reform and Nigeria's Global Competitiveness 
E. RemiAiyede
Reform in the Power Sector and Implications for Industrial Development 
in Nigeria: The Case of Difference between Six and Half a Dozen?
Emeka E. Okafor
Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria: Issues 
and Challenges
IdowuJohnson r ■
Influence of Gender and Locus of Control on PoSt-Conf Let Mental Health 
Measurements of Students in Jos Plateau State 
DaramolarA. S. andNduA. O.
Work-Family Conflict and Job Demand Control in Psychological 
Adjustment of Lawyers in Private Practice 
John O. Ekore
F a c u l t y  o f  t h e  S o c i a l  S c i e n c e s , U n i v e r s i t y  o f  Ib a d a n
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Advisory Board
Ogoh Alubo, University o f Jos/National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Nigeria 
J.M. Baba, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria • \
Michael Bratton, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
Clara Fayorsey, University of Ghana, Legon Ghana
Marjor HoekHoek-Smith, Whaton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA
L. Adele Jinadu, Centre for Advanced Social Sciences (CASS), Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
PerLindskog, University ofLinkoping, Sweden
Patrick Low, World Trade Organization, Geneva, Switzerland ■
Israel Taiwo'Ojo, University of Ilorin, Nigeria 
SolaOlowu, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria 
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Ibadan Journal
Social Sciences
Volume 12/ Number 1/ March 2014
Contents
Career Choices o f Nigerian Youths Entering Public-Funded University
Nyitor A. Shenge.............................................•............................................................... 1
Managing Fault Lines in Nigeria’s Protracted Conflicts: The Inevitability of Multi-Track 
Diplomacy in the Jos Crises
Animasawun Gbemisola...............................................................................................11
Public Service Reform and Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness
E. Remi Aiyede.................. : ............................................................................... .28
Reform in the Power Sector and Implications for Industrial Development in Nigeria:
The Case of Difference between Six arid Half a Dozen?
Emeka E. Okafor.......................................................................................................... 47
Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges 
Idowu Johnson.............................................................................................................65
Influence of Gender and Locus of Control on Post-Conflict Mental Health Measurements 
of Students in Jos Plateau State
Daramola, A. S. and Ndu A. 0 ......................................................................................77
Work-Family Conflict and Job Demand Control in Psychological Adjustment of Lawyers 
in Private Practice
John O. E ko re ......................... '...................................................................................g5
Ibadan Journal o f  the Social Sciences
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©  Ibadan Journal o f  the Social Sciences 
Volume!2, Number I, March 2014
Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in 
Nigeria: Issues and Challenges.
Idowu Johnson
Department o f  Political Science, University o f  Ibadan, Ibadan , Nigeria
The most outstanding challenge to the Nigerian state since the beginning o f the twenty- 
first century is probably the proliferation o f internal conflicts. This is primarily because 
they impede the growth o fd emocracy and threaten national security. In order to maintain 
peace and security, the military is given a constitutional role in managing internal 
conflicts through internal security operations when the police is overwhelmed. However, 
the military at times misuse the constitutional powers by violating the rights o f the 
civilian population. This paper examines the connection between internal security 
operations and human rights abuses in Nigeria. The major direction is to provide a 
deeper understanding o f the constitutional role o f the military in the management of 
internal conflicts, while also looking at the challenges and the prospects for non­
violation o f human rights o f  civilian population. The paper concludes with some 
recommendations on how the militaiy can be involved in internal security operations 
without violating citizens ’ human rights.
Keywords: Internal Conflict, Internal Security Operations, Military, Human right abuses.
Introduction
Internal security operation involving the military is a internal security crisis (Ogundiya and Jimoh, 2009; 
global phenomenon. In spite of the efforts of the United Ekekpe, 2007; Dare, 1997).
Nations to maintain international peace and security, A cursory examination o f the topic evidently 
in ternational crisis rem ains frightening and indicates that there is probably no better time than now 
unpredictable. Experience from developed countries, to dwell on the security challenges facing Nigeria, given 
Middle East and emerging democracies shows that the worrisome dimensions o f the security problems. 
stiff competition over issues of legitimacy, autonomy The rising spate of aggression against the Nigerian 
and sovereignty can threaten internal security o f a state in the recent times testifies to this. Although this 
nation. At the regional level, porous borders, insurgent’s has been the case ever since Nigeria was formed and 
movement, poverty and underdevelopment have been it also continued throughout the colonial period, the 
creating high degree of insecurity. For Nigeria, violent recent occurrence o f terrorism in the country has 
conflict, w hether social, political, religious or further justified the need for enhanced internal security 
environmental issues have contributed significantly to operations.
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The importance attached to security is well severe cases of human rights abuses. The dust usually 
left behind crisis scenes in Nigeria by military personnel 
captured in the 1999 Constitution o f the Federal (drafted to such areas) leaves much to be desired, 
Republic o f N igeria.-Section 14 (2) (b) o f  the hence, the need for an analysis of this nature. Examples 
constitution state that “the security and welfare of the of places where military forces have left behind woes 
people shall be the primary purpose of government”. o f gross human rights violations are Odi, Zaki Biam 
Invariably, the Constitution has saddles the Government and the recent Baga incident in Bomo State, Nigeria. 
with the responsibility of safeguarding lives, property, The paper therefore focuses on the relationship 
welfare of Nigerians against both internal and external between internal security operations and human right 
threats including other forms of danger. Thus it is abuses in Nigeria.
incumbent on the Government to monitor public order 
and safety, including law and order (FGN 1999 Conceptual Clarification
Constitution). In order to understand the problematic in this paper 
In order to tackle security challenges, nations an attempt will be made to clarify and operationalize 
establish the armed forces, police, security agencies some key concepts. These are namely, security; internal 
and other Para-military forces. The Nigerian armed security operations; and human rights.
forces and police personnel have, from available Security
records, maintained a track record of effective peace­ Security is an encompassing phenomenon that 
keeping campaigns around the globe. This record of is paramount to individuals, entities, communities and 
success has earned for the nation, a number of even nations. Security has to do with self-preservation 
international recognitions and commendations. The which is the first law of existence. Security implies a 
officers concerned have equally won honours and got stable, relatively predictable environment in which an 
decorated with medals of honour. The government and individual or group may pursue its ends or objectives 
people o f Sierra Leone and Liberia in particular, at without disruption, harm, danger and without fear of 
regular intervals, express gratitude to the government disturbance or injury. One school of thought identifies 
and people o f Nigeria. This is with regard to the noble security with the possession of strong armed forces, 
roles played by Nigerian armed forces in restoring built on high concentration of manpower and weapons. 
peace and sanity to those countries (Robert, 2012:410). This is a realist conception of security. Another school 
With such high profile rating in the way they o f thought is based on the neo-realist paradigm that 
conduct themselves when on international peace­ maintains a continued emphasis on the primacy o f the 
keeping operations, it was expected that the Nigerian state within a broadened conceptualization of security 
armed forces would display the same record while on (Pogoson, 2013).
national (internal) peace-keeping operations. Anumber In the Nigerian Grand Strategy for National 
of factors however, tend to expose some problems Security, security was defined as:
inherent in the way they have handled internal crisis the aggregation of the security 
flash-points, to which they have been drafted to in terest o f  all individuals, 
maintain peace. Anumber of analysts o f these internal com m unities, ethnic groups, 
operations have pointed to the problem o f high political entities and institutions 
handedness and insensitivity to the nature and which inhabit the territory of 
characteristics of civilian dominated areas, howbeit, N igeria. The Grand Strategy 
with an admixture of rebel elements. There have been specifically states that paramount
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Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges
importance is attached to safety, security approach holds that if  the individual is secured, 
security and the prosperity of then security will emanate to the community, regime, 
individuals and institution;; within and finally the state. The national and human security 
Nigeria and what belongs to paradigms are opposite understandings on how human 
Nigeria and N igerians abroad communities are best protected (Mcfate, 2013). Thus 
(Dasuki, 2013). internal security could seen as the freedom from or 
Generally, security is taken to mean freedom absence o f those tendencies which could undermine 
from risk or danger or fear; safety; confidence and internal cohesion and the corporate existence o f the 
the ability o f a nation to protec; and defend itself; nation and its ability to maintain its vital institutions for 
promote its cherished values and legitimate interest the promotion o f its core values and socio-political and 
and enhance the well-being o f its people. Horizontally, economic objectives, as well as meet the legitimate 
security went beyond the military to encompass aspiration o f the people.
economic, political, environmental, social and other Internal security operations
aspects. Vertically, security went beyond the state, to 
incorporate and emphasize the individual, social groups Internal Security Operations (ISOPs) are those acts 
(ethnic, religious, professional), the state and humanity carried out by the domestic security agents such as 
at large (Nwolise, 2012: 14). In the same vein, the the Police, Customs Service, Immigration Service, and 
concept o f security has been linked to human security. others, for the purpose of containing domestic threats 
Human security seeks to protect the vital core o f all to the security of the country. These threats often relate 
human lives in ways that enhance human freedom and to dire cases o f riots, demonstrations, strikes, communal 
human fulfilment (CJN Commission on Human Security, clashes, terrorism, and the likes, which normally fall 
2003: 4). The concept o f human security derives outside the constitutional duty o f the military (Okoli, 
strength from four attributes as noted by Oche (2002: 2013). For instance, it is the duty o f the Police to 
38): maintain law and order within the society. Section 4 of 
the Police Act provides the general duties of the police 
i. It is based on universal concerns, as a result as the preservation o f law and order, the protection of 
o f the numerous form:; of threats common life and property and the due enforcement of all laws 
to all people. • and regulations with which they are directly charged. 
ISOPs are designed to handle internal conflicts in a 
ii. Com ponents o f  human security  are country. ISOPs focuses on promoting peace and 
interdependent, as threats to it are no supporting civil authorities in reaction to domestic crisis. 
longer isolated matters. It may involve elements o f both combat and non­
iii. Threats to human security are much easier to combat operations in peacetime and in conflict. Such 
secure and cope with through early support to civil authority requires use of military and 
preventive measures. intelligence (Akanle, 2007). In Nigeria, communal/ 
ethnic clashes, religious conflicts and; recently, acts 
iv. Human security is centred on people and their o f terro rism  have how ever, necessita ted  the 
existence. involvement of the military in ISOPs.
Consequently, the search for human security 
lies in development, not in arms. From this, the human
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Ibadan Journal o f  the Social Sciences
Human rights classifications and rankings o f state types on account 
According to the Oxford Dictionary of politics, human o f  its fa ilure  to ac t as an effective agent of 
righ ts are a special so rt o f  inalienable m oral development and guarantee human security in all 
entitlements. They attach to all persons equally, by ramifications (Osaghae, 2010 : 85). State failure is 
virtue of their humanity, irrespective of race, nationality, believed to have evolved from a regional phenomenon 
or membership o f any social group. They specify to one reaching almost global proportions (Rotberg 
condition for human dignity and a tolerable life (Maclean 2002, Reno, 2002). In the same vein, state failure 
and Macmillan, 2003). The entire development from generally connects institutional breakdown to a break 
natural rights to human freedoms is epitomized in the down o f society, which are consequently seen as two 
Universal Declaration o f Human Rights (UDHR) of sides o f the same vein. The reason, according to 
1948. Zartman (1995), is that in a “weak” society, there exists 
Domestic laws usually apply in internal security a general inability to refill the institutional gaps left by 
operations, but this is however influenced by the rules withering government structures: the organization and 
and standards o f international law. Domestic laws allocation of political assets thus easily fall into the 
provide the basis for military involvement in internal hands o f “warlords and gang leaders”, who often make 
security operations while international human rights law use o f “ethnic elements “ as a source o f identity and 
regulates the conducts o f operations, military or control in the absence of an overriding social contracts 
otherwise in those situations. International laws do not that binds citizens to the state (Zartman 1995:7). In 
contain provisions for when the military can perform fact, as Dorff (1996) has argued, in relatively “weak” 
internal security operations but they provide regulations states democratic institution and processes can easily 
for the conduct o f ‘actors’ during such periods. fall prey to the forces; of uncertainty and fear, especially 
International human rights law applies both during when there are indigenous actors ready willing, and 
armed conflicts and in peacetime. This also applies to able to exploit human emotions for the sake of 
both armed conflicts of international and domestic redirecting or killing democratic reforms.
nature. Its aim is to protect the rights o f individuals H owever, M igdal (2001) view s state 
against State authorities. Those rights are set forth in “collapse” not so much as an end state or breakdown, 
international treaties such as the ICCPR, and in but rather as a culmination point in the continuous 
regional conventions such as the African Charter of struggle between various forces in society, to control 
Human and Peoples Rights (Epiphany, 2013). the three core functions that are generally connected 
Theoretical Framework to state performance, namely: provision o f security, 
The theoretical framework adopted for this paper is the ability to allocate economic resources and the 
derived from a combination of “state failure”, “state representation of a national population inhabiting a fixed 
collapse” and “state fragility”. The essence o f  this territory. It has to be emphasized that the absence of a 
eclectic theoretical framework is to pinpoint the general common set of norms or interests does not mean that 
ineffectiveness o f public policies and government there are no rules governing society as observed by 
regulations, among which Internal Security Operations Raeymaekers (2005). He further agued that what 
(ISOs) could be located. The state in Africa, or African emerges in situations of state “collapse” in sub-Sahara 
state for those who argue that countries in sub-Saharan Africa, in many cases could be described as a 
Africa constitute a generic species, has continuously continuation o f neopatrimonialism without the state 
occupied the low est rungs o f perform ance (Raeymaekers, 2005: 6).
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges
Similarly, sectoral weaknesses cumulate to 
state fragility where the state is defined in its most An Overview o f Internal Security Crises in 
imperial sense as the political sovereign or final 
authority within its territory. Osaghae (2010) observed Nigeria
that political instability, economic failure, social Nigeria has had a chequered history o f internal crises. 
dislocation, institutional and political weaknesses and Even, in the relatively recent times, there are still clear 
failures, are all integral elements of state fragility which, indications of internal crisis and often, the military have 
by definition, gives primacy to the political correlate of been drafted to maintain peace and stability. The 
statehood. Thus, a “fragile” state basically lacks the military has always been involved in internal security 
capacity to function as an effective or capable state. from the days o f colonialism. In August 1914, as the 
It is obvious that while most states may have one First World War gathered pace, an Egba revolt was 
element of fragility or the other, those on Africa and militarily crushed by ten companies o f troops from the 
other parts o f Third World are the most fragile, to the newly created “Nigeria Regiment” (Omoigui, 2013). 
extent that they present the full face o f the worst In 1929/1930, the regiment was called upon for a major 
indicators of fragility in terms of both capacity and internal security operation against Igbo women, mainly 
performance (Osaghae, 2010 : 93 ). at Aba (Omoigui, 2013). The Nigerian Air Force 
More importantly, state failure, state collapse similarly participated in Military Operations Other Than 
and state fragility  are essentially  placed on a War (MOOTW) against Maitatsine elements in Kano 
development continuum, where one stage of failure and Maiduguri, against the Taliban in the Mandara 
almost automatically leads to another. While the Mountains and in Panshekara and are active with the 
difference between these stages is primarily one of Special Task Force -  Operation Safe Haven on the 
degree, the common feature of these authors is that Jos Plateau while the Nigerian Navy were deeply 
they trace both state fragility to a common origin, involved in the management of the Ijaw -  Itsekiri crises 
namely “an overall breakdown of the corpus of formal in the Warri metropolitan area.
and informal rules governing society, accompanied by Both serv ices, w here they m aintain a 
the disappearance o f  form al authority or its presence, have over the course o f several decades 
emaciation” (Raeymaekers, 2005 : 3). actively cooperated with the Nigerian Army in Internal 
Quite obviously, to achieve a maximum Security Operations (ISOs) geared towards restoring 
stability a regime must both carry out the tasks expected peace to various parts o f the volatile federation. These 
of a competent government, and maintain legitimacy include, but are not limited to, the Tiv and Western 
by being perceived as just and fail' in the manner it Nigeria crises of 1962-1965, the post-election violence 
carries out those tasks. A state may remain in a of 1983 in Western Nigeria, Ife-Modakeke conflict of 
condition of fragile instability if it lacks effectiveness the late 1990s, the 2000 Sharia crisis in Kaduna which 
or legitimacy in a number o f dimensions. However, a claimed thousands of lives. (Abdu, 2010; Irabor, 2010; 
state is likely to fail or to already be a failed state, if  it Egwu, 2001). The Nigerian Army also had to intervene 
has lost both. in Yelwa-Shendam, Jos and Kano in 2004 to restore 
The usefulness o f state failure, state collapse peace after well over a thousand persons had been 
and state fragility as theoretical framework in this killed in ethno-religious violence between Hausa 
paper is that they are unique on real-time monitoring Muslims and indigenous Christian peoples in the central 
of security and political conditions in Nigeria. highlands and reprisal killings which followed in Hausa 
Muslim-dominated Kano thereafter. So serious was
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Ibadan Journal o f  the Social Sciences
the violence that a rare state o f emergency was country. The present condition in the North-East 
declared in Plateau State. justifies the foregoing. Section 217(c) 1999 Constitution 
Some years later, serious ethno-religious therefore, forms the basis o f the involvement o f the 
violence broke out and reprisal killings followed military'in Internal Security Operations (ISOPs) in 
thereafter and across broad swathes o f Northern and Nigeria.
Eastern Nigeria in that order, occasioned by perceived In connection w ith the foregoing, it is 
indiscretion on the part o f a Danish cartoonist who noteworthy that domestic laws usually apply in internal 
allegedly defamed aspects o f the Islamic religion in security Operations, but this is however influenced by 
2006. In 2011, post-election violence broke out in some the rules o f engagement and standards o f international 
disaffected segments of Northern Nigeria leading to law. Domestic laws provide the basis for military 
the deaths of over 800 people with thousands that were involvement in internal security operations while 
internally displaced. It took the intervention o f the international human rights law regulates the conducts 
Nigerian Army to restore normalcy to the restive parts of operations, military or otherwise in those situations. 
of the federation (Okoli, 2013). The security challenges International laws do not contain provisions for when 
witnessed in the country so far have proven, as a result the militaiy can perform internal security operations 
of their magnitude, that the Police alone cannot tackle but they provide regulations for the conduct of ‘actors’ 
them. This fact thereby called for more of military during such periods. International human rights law 
intervention in form of ISOPs and it has been observed applies both during armed conflicts and in peacetime. 
that the military is increasingly involved in Internal This also applies to both armed conflicts o f international 
Security Operations. and domestic nature. Its aim is to protect the rights of 
individuals against State authorities. Those rights are 
The Military and Internal Security Operations in set forth  in in ternational trea ties such as the 
Nigeria In ternational Covenant on C ivil and Political 
The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which provides for Right(ICCPR), and in regional conventions such as 
the military in its section 217 makes it clear that the the African Charter o f Human and Peoples Rights. 
duties o f the military, that is the Army, Navy and Air The rights listed in these international treaties apply at 
force will be to defend N igeria from external all times except under some special conditions whereby 
aggression, maintain its territorial integrity and securing a state may derogate from them by notifying the 
its borders from isolation on land, sea or air, suppressing relevant authorities o f its derogation. These special 
insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to conditions include in the event of a public emergency 
restore order when called upon to do so by the President threatening the existence o f  the nation. More 
but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by importantly, just as the 1999 Constitution lend credence 
an Act o f National Assembly. The military is also to to military intervention in internal security operations, 
perform such other functions as may be prescribed by it also safeguards human rights by providing for the 
an Act of the National Assembly. Although the main rights to life, right to personal liberty, right to privacy, 
functions of the military is to protect the nation against and right to human dignity (FGN Constitution, 1999).
external aggression or threats, occasionally the military However, it is pertinent to state that the 
may be required to assist the civil authorities to deal security forces of the Nigerian state have many times, 
with internal violence and suppress internal tension. flagrantly violated human rights in the course of internal 
For instance, the military may be required to assist the security operations. These have been done many times 
police in restoring law and order in any part of the with impunity and the Nigerian state on its part, has
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Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges
been unresponsive to these cases of abuse which of carried out on November 20, 1999 by the Nigerian 
course; threatens the cordial existence of the state. military on the predominantly Ijaw village of Odi in 
Owing to this therefore, it calls for a re-examination Bayelsa State. The attack came in the context of the 
of basic issues and challenges in internal security conflict in the Niger Delta over the indigenous rights 
operations and how these issues could be addressed to oil resources and environmental protection. Prior to 
to augment human rights issues in Nigeria. the Massacre, twelve (12) members o f the Nigerian 
police were murdered by a gang of restive youths near 
Internal Security Operations and Human Rights the village of Odi. In an apparent revenge, the military 
Abuses in Nigeria: An Examination of Issues of acting on the directive o f the Federal government, 
Relevance invaded the village and raided it. This attack was 
The Nigerian military has engaged in peace keeping characterized by intense and excessive use of force. 
operations in over 50 countries and has been In effect scores of unarmed civilians, including women 
commended for its noble conduct during those and children, were killed. All the buildings in the village, 
occasions. Specifically, its role in Liberia and Sierra except the bank, the Anglican Church and the 
Leone among others in the West African sub-region is Community Health Centre, were destroyed, leaving 
worthy of note. Thus, it is curious that the same level the village in a woeful state of desolation (Okoli, 
of professionalism, as reported outside the country, 2013:23).
often does not manifest during internal security Closely following the Odi invasion by the 
operations. The problem of high handedness and Nigerian Army was the invasion of Zaki Biam, a Tiv 
insensitivity to the nature and characteristics of civilian community in Benue State. This invasion took place in 
dominated areas is always pointed out as a flaw 2001 as a result o f which no fewer than 100 people 
(Robert. 2012). A number o f critical issues are were massacred by the army in revenge for the killing 
associated with the Nigerian military when engaged in o f 19 soldiers sent to restore peace following an ethnic 
internal security operations; most of which are negative violence. So clear was the injustice done to the people 
owing to the blatant disregard for human dignity. These in the community that then Chief o f Army Staff, Lt. 
issues are discussed below: Gen. Luka Yusuf, tendered an apology on behalf of 
Excessive use o f  force the Nigerian Army to the people o f ZakiBiam during 
The use of excessive force is against the precepts of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in 
human rights. Excessive force is a force generally Makurdi in 2007 (The Punch Newspaper, November 
beyond that which a reasonable and prudent law 7,2007). The missing gap in all these military operations 
enforcem ent officer w ould use under the was that excessive force that clearly violates laws of 
circumstances. Article 51 (5)(b) of the 1977 Additional armed conflict and the import thereof, is that they create 
Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions prohibits attack new problems in the polity. The results are the 
which may be expected to cause incidental loss of contrasting realities we witness in Nigeria today (Albert, 
civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, 2012).
or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in Displacement o f  People
relation to the concrete and direct military advantage When military personnel go beyond their brief using 
anticipated. The military engaged in internal operations excessive force, or perpetrating atrocities on innocent 
has been reported on several occasions as using people, most people in affected areas are forced to 
excessive force. The case popularly known as the Odi evacuate. It is an unfortunate situation that security 
Massacre provides an illustration of this. An attack personnel deployed to a part of Nigeria to provide
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Ibadan Journal o f the Social Sciences
security and maintain peace, turn out to become intimidating them. It is now a norm for soldiers to ask 
security threats to innocent citizens, forcing them to defaulting car drivers on the high way to do ‘frog jumps’ 
become displaced persons (Nwolise, 2007). It creates as a form o f punishment. Women and girls are raped 
bitterness and agony in the minds of the people as on a number of occasions whether or not during a 
witnessed in Ogoni, Odi, Zaki Biam, Jos and others. conflict. Some girls were reportedly raped in Abuja by 
soldiers under the guise that the girls were prostitutes 
Extra judicial killings (www.eknnigeria.com). These are clear instances of 
Military internal security operations have also been derogation of human dignity.
characterized by extrajudicial killings. The Bomo State 
Governor, Kashim Shettima, said in April 2013 that over Arbitrary arrest
100 people were killed in Baga during the April 16 Soldiers involved in internal security operations also 
clash between officers o f the Joint Task Force and effect arrest arbitrarily. For instance, at Odi and 
insurgents in Baga community, Bomo State. Residents ZakiBiam, many young people were arrested and 
of the village said they buried 185 people after the falsely accused o f being masterminds o f the killing of 
battle, while the Red;Cross has said 187 people were security personnel. At Onitsha, a number o f youths 
killed (Audu, 2013). The human Rights Watch also were arrested and falsely accused o f being members 
reported the military operation at Gbeji (in ZakiBiam. ofMASSOB. Many-were even detained without trials. 
area o f Benue State) in what turned out to be a This does not augur well for Nigeria’s reputation in 
“played” meeting. The soldiers made the villagers to human rights management.
sit on the ground, separating thereby men. from- the' The. foregoing issues, as discussed above; have ' 
rest and opening fire on the men indiscriminately- therefore brought to" the front burner o f the national 
(Human Right Watch,,2001). There haye also been- ' discourse, once again, the need to enshrine the doctrine 
several reports on extra judicial killings by the military o f proportionality in the use of force via re-orientation 
in Nigeria. One o f such killings is the September. 20- . of the military and para-military forces in Nigeria. Also, 
killing of innocent poor squatters in an uncompleted more fundamental is the need to realise that rules of 
building in Abuja who. were suspected To "be Boko., engagement-for the military in internal security 
Haram members. Sahara Reporter can however, operation must be sanctioned by the act of parliament 
authoritatively confirm that the eight persons shot and-. with acute punishment in cases of violation and strict 
killed by Nigerian security agents were in no way linked adherence in term s o f diligent enforcem ent of 
to the dreaded Boko Haram sect as claimed by the punishment on the part o f the armed forces and the 
spokesperson o f the State Security Department, Nigerian state. This will make it to be more than just a 
Marilyn Ogar (www.saharareporters.com). This is one guideline. The encounter involving personnel of the 
assault on the part of the Nigerian security agents, too Nigerian Armed Forces on internal security duties and 
many. the Baga community on or around 16 April 2013 
illustrates serious concerns about proportionality of the 
Degrading treatment of citizens- rape, torture use of force as well as with humanitarian and human 
Under normal circumstances, soldiers are not supposed rights compliance in internal security operations that 
to be seen all over the place but there is a departure m ust be addressed by the Federal Government, 
from this in situations where military perform internal security forces and institutions of accountability in the 
security operations as they are deployed to affected search for durable solutions to the on-going problems
areas. Soldiers reportedly extort citizens after
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Internal Security Operations and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges
in The Nigerian federation in general, and the North- Another issue is the perceived attitude of the military 
East of Nigeria in particular. when called upon to perform  internal security 
operations. Some soldiers are o f  the opinion that they 
Challenges of the Military in Internal Security have a more noble role than this and some even think 
Operations in Nigeria they have been called upon because o f the incapability 
The involvement of the military in civil operations and inefficiency of the police in maintaining law and 
informs the need for the military to adjust to the order. The resultant effect is that the military usually 
demands of internal security operations. The military take over operations from the police instead of aiding 
usually encounter problems adjusting when dealing with the civil authorities as provided for in section 217 of 
civil operations. Some areas where these problems the 1999 Constitution. Instead of lending support to 
stem from have been highlighted as follows: the police or other civil authorities concerned the 
military end up taking leading roles. This can give rise 
Training to jealousy and distrust between the police force 
Since the primary function of the military is to defend involved in the operations and the soldiers deployed 
the country in times of war, military training is usually for the internal operations. This is capable of causing 
based on inflicting maximum damage and destruction unhealthy rivalry which can eventually undermine 
on their opponents and defeating them in the shortest security efforts. This has caused the Nigerian Army 
possible time within the rules aid  the law of armed to advocate for a centralized system to co-ordinate 
conflict. Meanwhile, internal security operations only the activities o f Joint Task Force Operations in the 
require restraint and the use of minimum force which country as such system would prevent order and 
is in contrast to what is usually required of soldiers in counter order by various Heads of Security Agencies
conventional warfare. The requirement for minimum (www.radionigeriaibadan.com).
force is because they are now maintaining law and Equipment
order among their own people in their own country. Often times the soldiers involved in internal security 
The arbitrariness associated with the military operations are not properly equipped for the task. 
while in internal security operations can be attributed Soldiers engaged in internal operations who are only 
to the kind of training undergone by the soldiers. There equipped with guns will definitely use it if  their lives 
is therefore the need for the military to undergo proper are threatened by a hostile mob. An average mob in 
training to deal with internal operations. This fact was Nigeria can only be in possession of stones and not 
also acknowledged by Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. guns. Using deadly equipment such as guns in this 
Onyeabolhejirika, who said that the Nigerian Army situation will not be suitable.
must refocus its logistics training to cater for internal 
security operations in aid of civil authority (Utebor, Strategy and tactics
2013). Military strategy and tactics are essential to the conduct 
Orientation of warfare. Strategy is the planning, coordination, and 
This is the attitude or views of a person. Military general direction o f military operations to meet overall 
orientation dictates that a potential threat is an enemy political and military objectives. Tactics implement 
and as such should be eradicated. Having a mindset strategy by short-term decisions on the movement of 
like this during, internal operations is dangerous. troops and employment o f weapons on the field of 
Defence against external aggression should be battle. Armies all over the world have strategies and 
differentiated from the defence employed against tactics employed in times o f war. Some of the most
‘enemies’within. 73
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l U s Si Ibadan Journal o f the Social Sciences
commonly cited principles are the objective, the involvement of the military in internal operations has 
offensive, surprise, security, unity of command, had its advantages notwithstanding the negativity 
economy of force, mass, and manoeuvre. There is also associated with it. The military will also go a long way 
the Envelopment tactic which is the unexpected in providing aid to civil authorities if  the'proper 
appearance of enemy troops on a flank or from behind mechanisms necessary for civil protection and internal 
which can damage an army’s morale, and if a force is operations are put in place. It is recommended that a 
encircled it can be deprived of supplies or attacked domestic legislation which will regulate the operations 
from any side (Rob, 2010). of the military during internal security operations should 
We will agree that internal conflicts do not always be put in place. The Rules o f Engagement o f the 
require all these tactics which soldiers ordinarily military should be gi ven a legal status and stopped from 
employ. Dealing with a hostile crowd of civilians in a operating as mere guidelines. In addition, there should 
riot situation requires a completely different approach be operational training for soldiers who will be involved 
from an attack on an enemy position in conventional in internal security operations. Training in riot control 
warfare. There is the need to adjust to the smaller drill is of the utmost importance. Soldiers should also 
scale of operations and the tactical mobility required. be knowledgeable ir. conflict management. Thus, there 
should be a re-orieritation of the soldiers involved in 
internal operations and the populace as well. The 
Conclusion and Recommendation military has been tagged with the label o f terror and 
The military will continually be involved in internal an average Nigerian encountering soldiers on the road 
security operations notwithstanding the negative is likely  to be subjected to unnecessary  and 
practices associated with their involvement. The unwarranted fear. The fact that soldiers do not mingle 
Constitution serves as the main dom estic law with the day to da> Life of the people unlike the police 
safeguarding the rights of the citizens thereby indirectly is responsible for the fear. Finally, defence and security 
regulating the conduct of the military during operations. personnel should learn humane handling o f citizens; 
There are also international conventions and treaties, and both governments and security agents must not 
many of which Nigeria is a signatory to. To be sure, trample on the righ:s of the people.
there is no domestic legislation which specifically 
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Biographical Note
Idowu Johnson (Ph.D) teaches Political Science at 
the University o f Ibadan. His research interests are in 
the area o f International Relations, Strategic and 
Development Studies.
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